Lunar New Year Retirement Cardigan Sweater: The Destiny of Things, Story 338

Lunar New Year Retirement Cardigan Sweater:  The Destiny of Things, Story 338

This went to an Etsy buyer who retired the year of the monkey!  Yippee!

Sweater sold out, but more hi cat fashion, available here

photo via VintageToGoEasy

I received this story because the shipping address was to her work, but since she had just retired, she needed it sent to her home.  So I wonder if her work colleagues got this for her.... Cool gift and just in time for the Lunar New Year! 

Don't you think?

Sweater sold out, but more hi cat fashion, available here

or here at Hoarder Rehab

photo via VintageToGoEasy

It has traditional frog closures and bell sleeves!  I just loved this sweater, it was so nice and soft, super comfy, but never wore it because the sleeves didn't suit me in the classroom, they always seemed to get in the way! 

Sweater sold out, but more hi cat fashion, available here

or here at The Destiny of Things

photo via VintageToGoEasy

Saying Goodbye:  I used to be a total hoarder clothes hound!  Now that I'm retired too, I just wear sweats or jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirts from autumn to winter and shorts and dresses in the spring and summer.  That's it.

I love vintage clothing and have tons of it!  but I don't like shopping for it!  I used to shop at thrift stores twice a year, in the summer for winter clothing and again the summer for winter clothing and that's it!  Back when I used to thrift shop all the time, clothing as so inexpensive as compared to today.  I even knew a place that sold clothes for 10 cents a pound!

Sweater sold out, but more hi cat fashion, available here

photo via VintageToGoEasy

What I Learned:

1.  For some reason, listing my clothing and selling it on Etsy has not been as easy as all the other hoard because not only does it seem to take longer to sell, but it takes more time to list!  I guess for the same reason I do not really enjoy clothes shopping is because of all the having to try it on!  Plus to list it, it takes extra time to attach a cat head too!

Maybe clothes takes longer to sell online because one can't try it on. I see lots of shoes online that I'd love to buy and size 5 is so hard to find, but I've returned so many shoes that were supposed to be size 5 and were way to big, so I do not do that anymore.

2.  Since most of my clothes have sold now, it looks like it's time to list more because my hi cat fashion sections look barren.  It just seems like it might not be worth it.  I guess I'll try one more time.

My most favorite coat of all, but I haven't worn it, since I retired. I used to wear it all the time and would get a lot compliments, especially the crosses on the sleeves.  It's very warm and roomy for layering.  Also eco dry cleaned and ready to wear!  Available here.  Photo via Hoarder Rehab

Thank you Etsy buyer from VintageToGoEasy for the email letting me know this was a retirement gift!  Happy Retirement!  What a great year to retire since the year of the monkey is a great year to shake things up!

 

Thank you Etsy for the best Hoarder Rehab ever!  And for all the kind people I'm meeting who are helping me indirectly and directly!

 

Thank you readers from all over the world who continue to support my Hoarder Rehab and The Destiny of Things by taking part with your visits!  Much appreciated! 

 

 Here is a Banana Republic cardigan sweater I just love because of the large buttons.  I hardly wore this either, even though I thought I would wear it a lot layered.  I did wear occasionally for St Patrick's day.

Available here.  Photo via Hoarder Rehab

 

Every day I'm becoming closer to my goal of adding new items weekly to each shop until I have 800 of my dehoard listed that will be 200 items listed at each shop!  My health has been much better lately, so I've had more time to list. 

 

JUST 8 more items to list before I reach my goal!  Yippee!

 

Click on the shop names to visit new hoard listed daily and/or weekly: HoarderRehab with 200 items, The Destiny of Things- 192 items, VintageToGoEasy - 202 items and JunkDrawerAndMore - 202 items!    

Maybe you'll find something to adopt and share your story too!  Thanks for looking!

Of course, when I retired I wasn't a recovering hoarder and bought tons of stuff in celebration of my freedom!  This Tiffany bracelet combo is one of them.  I thought it would be so versatile to wear in solo, duo or triple, with or without the lock and even to wear the lock as a pendant since it does lock and unlock.

Available here.  Photo via The Destiny of Things

 

Semi-Related Stories:

 

1.  Not My Favorite Red Cashmere Coat!  Destiny of Things, Story LXXXIV  

 

 People are still ordering these for Lunar New Year because I found out that that it's celebrated all the way to February 23!

50 or 100 monkey drink or cake toppers, available here

Smaller amounts in 20, 25 or 30, available here

photo via Hoarder Rehab

 

"May you always have old memories and young hopes!"

The Lunar New Year of the Fire Monkey: The Destiny of Things, Story 337

The Lunar New Year of the Fire Monkey:  The Destiny of Things, Story 337

What did an Etsy buyer do with her 100 monkeys?

50 or 100 monkey drink or cake toppers, available here

photo via Hoarder Rehab

Here is the fun email just in time for The Lunar New Year!

Hi Kennedy,

I just got a chance to read your note and open your very fun goody/hoarder package. 

I’ve attached a picture of what I’m doing with the Cocktail Monkeys. 

For about 25 years, I’ve been making origami boxes to fill with trinkets to send to friends and relatives for various holidays. I hadn’t sent out a box in a couple of years.

One of my favorite holidays to use as a theme is the Lunar New Year. 2016 is the year of the red fire monkey. I grew up in the 60s and 70s and always loved cocktail monkeys as a kid. So I naturally planned my package around the Cocktail monkeys. I also included a St Valentines pendant for some people and a vintage bottle cap magnet with a vintage monkey valentine in it. 

So that’s what i did with my 100 monkeys!

Best,

Etsy buyer from Hoarder Rehab

 

How cool and fun, is that?  Here is a photo of her origami trinket box!

 

 photo via Etsy buyer from Hoarder Rehab

What a beautiful box full of themed surprises!  It has everything one needs to for a Happy Lunar New Year and Valentine's day!  Monkey fun, chocolates and jewelry!

Of course, I'm wondering how many boxes she made with 100 monkeys and would love to be a fly on the wall when all of them are opened!

 

Smaller amounts in 20, 25 or 30, available here

photo via Hoarder Rehab 

 

Some things you might want to know for this Lunar New Year!

 

1. Starts:  Monday, Feb.  8, 2016   Chinese New Year starts on the night of the second new moon of the winter solstice, according to The Huffington Post. The Spring Festival celebration ends 15 days later.

 

2.  This is the year to shake things up in your life.

 

According to Susan Levitt, an astrologer, Feng Shui consultant and tarot card reader based in the San Francisco Bay Area, 2016 is the perfect time to create change. With the Monkey’s enthusiastic energy, anything can happen, plans can succeed and risks are minimal because they are rewarded.  However, Levitt warns about trusting the wrong people in 2016 because some of them may resort to tricks to take advantage of the gullible ones.  She also advises people to avoid a useless tail-chasing cycle, which Monkey minds are prone to. 

 

“As soon as you realize that a path is not fruitful, try a new one instead of staying stuck and trying to analyze the past,” Levitt states on her website. 

 

3.  Element: Fire 

  There are five Taoist elements which are Fire, Water, Earth, Wood and Metal. The New Year 2016 will be especially bright and blazing because it is the Year of the Red Fire Monkey. A little fire won’t hurt once in a while. It gives off both heat and light. Like what “Survivor” host Jeff Probst says in the long-running reality competition, “fire represents life.” It also represents passion and is said to bring joy and creativity. Just be careful not to play with fire, or you will get burned literally and figuratively.

Information from "2016 is Year of the Fire Monkey: 10 Things to Know" by Janice Somosot from International Business Times, read the rest of the article here.

Even smaller amounts of 4 to 12 for cocktail drink or cake toppers, available here

photo via VintageToGoEasy

Saying Goodbye:  I have a huge stash of these for myself in varying colors and in retro new style and true vintage.  I'll be listing some of my true vintage destash of cocktail monkeys this week on VintageToGoEasy most likely tomorrow.

Here is a preview photo of them and they actually have 1961 pat. pending and some other words I can't read yet on each tail!  They are more thin and delicate and even more nostalgic because some are gray!  

When we were kids, we'd have monkey wars with these and the first thing that would break were their tails!

1961 true vintage cocktail monkeys will be available tomorrow! 
via VintageToGoEasy

What I Learned:

1.  A fun email with a photo from an Etsy buyer can cause enough excitement to keep me motivated and going, even when I'm not feeling well.  Yes, I think I've had too much Lunar New Year foods lately, even though they are organic, gluten free, soy free and dairy free!  

I have been eating lemon cake from Tender Greens that is gulten tolerant and been meaning to ask them if there is difference between that and gluten free.

PF Changs has more gluten free dishes on their menu, however, not organic.

2.  One of my New Year's Resolutions this year is to become less allergic to my favorite foods or at least learn to make alternative ones that taste like them.

Also to start working out, so I can eat more and enjoy the foods I love and can eat!

3.  I've been practicing other alternatives and strategies to overcome my hoarding ways and this year I hope to make practice more perfect and routine.  Routine as automatic, even though retail therapy is so easy, quick and gratifying.

For example, I started my Doodle Journal from last Friday's post!  Today is my third day!

We have our vintage Chinese honey comb lanterns up to help celebrate!

Order 5 lanterns here or 1 here
photo via Hoarder Rehab

Thank you Etsy buyer from Hoarder Rehab for the email and sharing a lovely photo of your beautiful origami trinket boxes full of themed fun!  and the compliment on my hoarder goodie bag!  Love the waves on the origami paper signifying change in motion forever!

Love the photo and the lighting you used!

Thank you Etsy for the best Hoarder Rehab ever!  And for all the kind people I'm meeting who are helping me!

Thank you readers from all over the world who continue to support my Hoarder Rehab and The Destiny of Things by taking part with your visits!  Much appreciated! 

 

 Vintage Happy New Year banner, gold is one of this year's good luck colors, available here

New in package, so I image the font is as shown in white lettering.

photo via The Destiny of Things

 

Every day I'm becoming closer to my goal of adding new items weekly to each shop until I have 800 of my dehoard listed that will be 200 items listed at each shop!  My health has been much better lately, so I've had more time to list. 

 

JUST 11 more items to list before I reach my goal!  Yippee!

 

Click on the shop names to visit new hoard listed daily and/or weekly: HoarderRehab with 195 items, The Destiny of Things- 192 items, VintageToGoEasy - 201 items, soon to be 202 when I add the vintage cocktail monkeys tomorrow and JunkDrawerAndMore - 201 items!    

Maybe you'll find something to adopt and share your story too!  Thanks for looking!

 

 How will you celebrate the Lunar New Year?

50 or 100 monkey drink or cake toppers, available here

photo via Hoarder Rehab

Related Stories:  If you need ideas on what to eat for good luck this Lunar New Year, here are some:

1.  Honeycomb Paper Lanterns:  The Destiny of Things, Story XLVII with good luck foods to eat for Lunar New Year!

2.   Chinese Cloisonne Thumb Ring:  The Destiny of Things, Story XCIV 

3.  Red Egg and Ginger Party and My Chinese Paper Lanterns:  The Destiny of Things, Story #130

4.  Articulated Cobalt Blue Koi Fish Cloisonne Pendant:  The Destiny of Things, Story #132  

5.  Koi Charm and Japanese Deer Park, Orange County, California:  The Destiny of Things, Story #137 

6.  Cloisonne Cherry Blossom Clouds Bracelet:  The Destiny of Things, Story 196  

7.  Monkey Cocktail Drink Charms for Shirley Temple Birthday Kit:  The Destiny of Things, Story 278 

8.  Cocktail Drink Monkey Toppers as Plant Jewelry!  The Destiny of Things, Story 302 

How are you going to shake things up this year with monkey's enthusiastic energy on your side this year?  So fun, so curious! 

Journal Artist Mechanical Date Stamper: The Destiny of Things, Story 336

Journal Artist Mechanical Date Stamper:  The Destiny of Things, Story 336

Every time one of these gets ordered, I wonder how it's going to be used.....

Mechanical date stamper 2016 - 2025, available here

photo via JunkDrawerAndMore

Curious me, I always ask too!  in my packaging thank you note, I ask if it's going to be used for art or save the date or teacher or office  paper work.  Yes, my mind goes through so many scenarios!

Yesterday, I got an email answering my questions with photos!  Here it is:

How sweet of you to include a little package in the date stamp I bought! And as I was getting it from the mailbox, I recalled I didn't buy a stamp pad - many thanks for the free one!

While the date stamper will probably be used in some sort of save the date (I'm getting married in 2017!) my initial want for one is for my new year's resolution - to cut back on my own clutter, I have started a "doodle journal" for tickets and mementos and small details of the day I would otherwise forget. I attached a few pages.

I will certainly use all of the little goodies you sent me! Thanks so much again. Checked out your blog and I'll send you a few photos when I finish a few pages with the date stamper included. :)

 Wow, the photos needs to be updated!  This is my date stamper before I used it.

Mechanical date stamper 2016 - 2025, available here

photo via JunkDrawerAndMore

My curiosity is now satisfied and what an inspiring email!  The date stamper will be getting used in all kinds of ways.  It even has a date all the way to 2017!  And the right now it's being used for a DOODLE JOURNAL!!!! How exciting!  What a great idea!

I'm always writing down quotes I like, saving slips of paper that look cool to me, like receipts, business cards, parking stubs, etc. and even stuff that rolls by my feet on a windy walk.  Instead of letting all these things pile up I should start a Doodle Journal too!  Great way to cut back on my paper clutter!

I really would love to remember small details of my daily life too.  I just need a spiral notebook now......

Even more inspiring, she sent me photos of some of her journal doodles!

Techless me can't figure out how to turn this correctly, but I'm not going to let it stop me from posting today!

photo via Kind Etsy buyer

I am so happy to know that I am not the only one that saves any kind of ticket stub.  Adult ages 18-64, one of the most interesting tickets stubs I've seen!

I'm sorry all her photos came upside down and I've spent some time trying to turn them right side up, but I can't without some help.  Usually I'd postpone my blog post, but that's how too many of my postings get put to the side.  My apologies, I'm just going to have to fix it over the weekend, after I get some help because I'm so excited about starting my own Doodle Journal!

Here's more inspiration!

What a beauty!

photo via Doodle Journal artist Etsy buyer

Okay, now I'm wondering how much time she spends on each page a day because that would probably take me a week to try and do, but I'm not going to let that stop me either.  I'll just set a timer for my daily doodle page.

Not only are the colors and art tools inspiring, but the words really hit home to me!  Art bringing new opportunities, friends and especially "stress relief!"  I sure can use an alternative stress release from hoarding and dehoarding!

Prescott Dells looks like it has amazing scenery.

Another inspiration a beautiful hike.

Thank you so much for sharing!

I need to get going on my New Year's Resolutions too!  Thank you so much for sharing, it's just the push I need today!

Mechanical date stamper 2016 - 2025, available here

photo via JunkDrawerAndMore

Saying Goodbye:  I used to use this date stamper in my classroom and it was a teaching life saver!  My students were always forgetting their name and date on their heading and I would pass the date stamper around, so all could use it.  When it ran out of the correct date after 10 years I went to go buy a new one and I could not find an affordable one.

So when I found them again, I bought way too many.  As a teacher, I had one at my desk, one at home to grade papers, one for my student helpers and one to pass around during class time.  There are lots of teachers in my family, so they were stocking stuffers one year.  Eight more years before I can give them again!

Now I use mine on my Etsy packaging thank you notes.

 Another great detail about these simple date stampers is that they have a flattened so I don't stamp the date upside down!

Mechanical date stamper 2016 - 2025, available here

photo via JunkDrawerAndMore

What I Learned:

1.  Sometimes a stranger can bring great meaning to my life.  A Doodle Journal sounds like a fun way for me to organize my daily paper hoard and keep track of the small details I'm thankful for each day.

2.  I'm really looking forward to seeing more of her journal for more inspiration and also to see how she incorporates the date stamper!

3.  My day is already busy, so I'll need to cut down on something to have time for a Doodle Journal and to find a spiral notebook.....

 Time sure flies!  Already over 2 years has gone by....

I have quite the collection of rubber stamps!

Mechanical date stamper 2016 - 2025, available here

photo via JunkDrawerAndMore

Thank you Doodle Journal Artist Etsy buyer from JunkDrawerAndMore for such an inspiring informative and fun email!  I'm going to use your idea to cut down on my own paper clutter too!  I can't thank you enough!  especially for the photos.  Your art work is beautiful, encouraging and motivating!

Again, thank you so much for your help!

Thank you Etsy for the best Hoarder Rehab ever!  I've met so many nice people on Etsy!

Thank you readers from all over the world who continue to support my Hoarder Rehab and The Destiny of Things by taking part with your visits!  Much appreciated!

 It's very difficult for me to let go of my stamping collection because I think I'm gong to need them one day.

Mini alphabet stamps, available here

photo via JunkDrawerAndMore

I've almost reached my goal of adding new items weekly to each shop until I have 800 of my dehoard listed that will be 200 items listed at each shop!  My health has been much better lately, so I've had more time to list.   

JUST 11 more items to list before I reach my goal!  Yippee! 

Click on the shop names to visit new hoard listed daily and/or weekly: HoarderRehab with 195 items, The Destiny of Things- 190 items, VintageToGoEasy - 202 items and now JunkDrawerAndMore - 202 items!  
   
Maybe you'll find something to adopt and share your story too!  Thanks for looking!

Make your own stampers, which I'd love to do, but I barely have time to use the ones I already have, so I'm letting go this book.  It's in Japanese, but the step by step photos are for beginners, available here

photo via Hoarder Rehab

Related Stories:

1.  Teacher Date Stamper:  The Destiny of Things, Story #109 

2.  Mechanical Rubber Date Stamper:  The Destiny of Things, Story 190 

3.  Office Stamper by Night and Craft Stamp by Day:  The Destiny of Things, Story 199

 Front of Butterfly Meadows, available here

 photo via JunkDrawerAndMore

"Be curious, not judgmental." ---Walt Whitman

Back of Butterfly Meadows, available here

   photo via JunkDrawerAndMore

"Harmony.  It's not what's lasting or permanent.  It is about individual voices coming together for a moment.  And that moment lasts a length of a breath, or in my instance a transaction.  That's what I think about my time here."---Frank Underwood from House of Cards or in my case, I think it's "destiny, as well as harmony."

View my House of Cards - Frank Underwood, Harmony quote double sided reversible washi tape collage art here, here and here!  It's a series of three so far!

  

Thanks for stopping by!

Mini Ballerina Tulle Tutu Doll Jewelry Music Box Replacement: The Destiny of Things, Story 335

Mini Ballerina Tulle Tutu Doll Jewelry Music Box Replacement:  The Destiny of Things, Story 335

I bought these because they each have a cute mini tulle tutu!

Vintage 80s mini ballerina doll with tutu for jewelry box replacement, available here

photo via JunkDrawerAndMore

These are one of my latest finds for my mixed media assemblage art.  At the time, I just had to have one because they remind me of my childhood when I had a Swiss Reuge Ballerina Music Box.  I played with it so much the dome came off and it was even more fun to spin her as fast as I could.

While I was waiting for them to arrive I saw one exactly like it in a jewelry box from the 80s.  When they did arrive I was a little disappointed that all their tutus were up and wouldn't stay down unless I press them down for awhile under a book, but on closer inspection, I was delighted that someone had taken the time to hand sew each tutu on to each little ballerina doll.

Also it appears, each one is also hand painted gold outfits, crowns and ballet slippers with tiny black dotted eyes and a red mouth.

They do not stand on their own, but each has a hole on the bottom to fit a toothpick to they can stand on a jewelry or music box or cupcake.

 Vintage 80s mini ballerina doll with tutu for jewelry box replacement, available here

photo via JunkDrawerAndMore

I decided to list some as ballerina doll replacements and they are selling more quickly than I thought.

I just got a little note today from an Etsy buyer who can't wait to give it to her daughter to replace the one that broke on her childhood jewelry box!  I just love it when I can't wait to give a gift because I know it's so special it's going to bring back such good memories as well as make new ones!

 Vintage 80s mini ballerina doll with tutu for jewelry box replacement, available here

photo via JunkDrawerAndMore

Saying Goodbye:  I've kept my own stash of these for my mixed media assemblage art and as you can see I tried one out on a toothpick and a red wooden bead to see how they'd stand. 

 Vintage 80s mini ballerina doll with tutu for jewelry box replacement, available here

photo via JunkDrawerAndMore

What I Learned:

1.  I like to buy a lot of Rosebud stuff from my childhood!  And I'm starting to wonder how it's all going to come together when I start my art projects.  I think this is a good sign because I no longer have to focus on finding new homes for my hoard as much because most of it's gone!  Well, maybe not most of it, but enough to make room for other things I'd love to do besides retail therapy!

3.  Yes! So, I am happy to say that enough hoard has found new lives and homes, so that I can start other projects again!  I've already started preparing for an easy flower and vegetable garden.  I'm still thinking about exercising on a regular basis, but I have started on a random basis and although I'm still working on emptying a spot in the house to empty my long bed truck from hoard, it's going to happen soon!

2.  Lastly I do love boxes!  And I've been buying all kinds of different boxes for my mixed media art.  I have a difficult time with size proportions and buy many things that are the wrong size, even when I'm constantly using a ruler to measure items.  I really need to see it in person and although I love online shopping, often buy the wrong size, even when I use a ruler. 

Below is one of my more successful box buying ideas.

 Box includes mini wooden house with tree, available here

photo via Hoarder Rehab

Thank you Etsy buyer from JunkDrawerAndMore for the little note letting me know how excited you are to give the little ballerina replacement to your daughter.  I am too!  I hope she loves i

 

Thank you Etsy for the best Hoarder Rehab ever!  And these St Martin de Tours are one of most popular religious medals!  Thanks again!

Thank you readers from all over the world who continue to support my Hoarder Rehab and The Destiny of Things by taking part with your visits!  Much appreciated!

 

 Other boxes I've been making, available here

photo via The Destiny of Things

I've almost reached my goal of adding new items weekly to each shop until I have 800 of my dehoard listed that will be 200 items listed at each shop!  My health has been much better lately, so I've had more time to list. 

 

JUST 16 more items to list before I reach my goal!  Yippee!

 

Click on the shop names to visit new hoard listed daily and/or weekly: HoarderRehab with 196 items, The Destiny of Things- 185 items, VintageToGoEasy - 202 items and now JunkDrawerAndMore - 201 items!    

Maybe you'll find something to adopt and share your story too!  Thanks for looking!

 

 Here's a photo of my childhood Swiss Reuge Music Box, available here 

I am so relieved that I do not have to have this to replace the one I gave away.  I do wish I would have kept mine, but not enough to have one again!  That's work in progress.  If I had seen this a year ago, I'd have bought it!

photo via TreasuresofPandora

 

Related Stories:  Lots of replacement stories!  I am not alone!

 

1.  The Destiny of Things:  Musical "Happy Birthday" Cake Stand, Story II 

 

2.  The Destiny of Things:  Freddie the Frog Puppet, Story XII

 

3.  Jennifer Oink Glass:  Destiny of Things, Story XXIV 

 

4.  Christmas Story from October: The Destiny of Things, Story XXV 

 

5.  Continuous Virgin Mary Band Ring: The Destiny of Things, Story XXX  

 

6.  A Mighty Circular Destiny as Infinity Story:  The Destiny of Things XLIII   

 

7.  Graduation Watch Replacement:  The Destiny of Things, Story LV  

 

8.  My Louis Vuitton Collection Update:  80s LV Eyeglass Case:  The Destiny of Things, Story LXXIV  

 

9.  Japanese Screen Holder Replacement Parts - Byobu:  The Destiny of Things, Story LXXXV

 

10.  Akro Agate Octagonal Sugar Bowl:  The Destiny of Things, Story XCI  

 

11.  One Yellow Treasure Chest:  The Destiny of Things, Story 227  

 

12.  Mini Turtle Erasers:  The Destiny of Things, Story 231  

 

13.  Lost Tooth in One Green Treasure Chest:  The Destiny of Things, Story 234   

 

14.  Kokeshi Bento Box Stacking Doll:  The Destiny of Things, Story 243 

 

15.  Retro Plastic Mermaid Cocktail Drink Charms:  The Destiny of Things, Story #116

 

16.  UPDATE on A Little Girl and her Miracle Fish:  The Destiny of Things, Story #112, Part 2 

 

17.  Metallic Tinsel Pom Pom Puff Balls for Cats:  The Destiny of Things, Story 260

 

18.  500 Replacement Fortune Teller Cards for Madame X Penny Napkin Dispenser Machine:  The Destiny of Things, Story 298 

 

19.  Vintage 48 Alphacolor Pastel Box Artist Set: The Destiny of Things, Story 316 

 

What would you like to replace today?  I would like to replace my hoard with open space and an uncluttered mind!