Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Stuff


 Last night I was channel surfing and came across a show which I think was called Hoarders.  As I continued to click I came across another show which was called Hoarders - Buried Alive.  This one I have seen before.  Sometimes I like to watch it as it gives me the urge to de-clutter, but at other times I find it entirely too sad to watch.  Last night I continued surfing right on by and finally settled on American Pickers.

 Recently I have been asked by a few different people if I watch this show.  Until now I've had to admit that I never have, so I thought I'd see what it was all about.
In last night's episode the hosts visited two different people who had barns full of stuff.  Many, many years of stuff.  One lady said that her children called it her "creeping crud" and they hoped it was gone before she was.  She giggled as she told this story.

 
 The next barn full of stuff belonged to a man who had stuff in there that went all the way back to his great grandfather... or was it his grandfather?  Either way it was a lot of stuff.  A lot of old stuff with some interesting history that went along with it.  I must admit I enjoyed learning the history behind some of this stuff and I also enjoyed watching the hosts strike up the deals with the owner's of the stuff.  


 The lady with the "creeping crud" stated that she had probably been collecting since 1968.  As she opened her second barn door (which was filled to the rafters), she said when she was buying one or two things a week it didn't seem like that much.

 
This made me think about my own habit of stopping into the thrift shop on a fairly regular basis.  In fact, my sister-in-law and I both enjoy getting together to visit the thrift shops followed by going out to lunch and, of course, preceded by a thorough hand washing. ;-).
We are pretty selective about what we buy.  I tend to go for the vintage gardeny type things and the vintage Christmasy things and, oh yes, vintage children's books and, of course if I see vintage linens....
Occasionally we wonder if maybe we really do have hoarding tendencies.     I laugh out loud when my sister-in-law wonders about this as I have never been in a more clean and organized home than hers.  A place for everything and everything in it's place.

 As for my own home, I try to work my thrifty finds into some type of order and periodically haul what I no longer want back to the thrift shop.  Green living at it's best, IMHO.  Keeping things out of the landfill and trying my best not to amass my own barn full of "creeping crud".  Someday the kids will thank me.




21 comments:

  1. I don't think you need to be worried. Hoarders don't even throw out the garbage. I cannot watch that show, the coming attractions make me nervous and I have to look away! I like all these adorable figurines, Kim. xo

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  2. I promise you that your kids will thank you. We helped both of our parents move and get rid of their "stuff", and it was a real blessing to us. Now we are trying to do the same for our children. I like how you buy pretty finds and then get rid of some that you don't use. I must admit, you sure do know how to pick out what looks nice and what adds beauty to your home.

    Your blog banner is beautiful!

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  3. You just keep it up girl. Your collecting is healthy and beautiful.

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  4. Ouch. My attic is full and it's not all my stuff. Sigh. I like your approach! You're keeping treasures out of the landfill! I like all the changes you've made here, too.

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  5. The kids WILL thank you! It's hard to believe that so many people have so much junk. I think this post has nearly pushed me to register an account with Freecycle.

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  6. Ok, I am not going to let my hubby read this post. Cuz he will say that I am a hoarder. I am not, but I am not a minimalist either!!
    Your pics are adorable!

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  7. American Pickers...my absolute favorite show. We DVR everyone. How I would love to dig around in those barns. What fun finds you have there.
    blessings to you,

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  8. Really cute "stuff" in your photos! You are a collector, not a hoarder. X

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  9. I love all the things you collect and they make your home inviting and fun.
    We watch that show often and like it a lot.

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  10. Me again. Forgot to say how much I like the newlook of your blog. : )

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  11. Your photos look like you know what you want and collect carefully. Some of those hoarding shows are so sad.

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  12. Your photos look like you know what you want and collect carefully. Some of those hoarding shows are so sad.

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  13. You are a collector, Kim. That's vastly different from a hoarder! :) And you have collected some neat things. My hubby says I'm a hoarder of magazines. I prefer to say that I have a hard time throwing them away. I have a nice stack that I've been aiming to go through and cut out recipes and ideas that I want to save. I'll get around to it soon. I will!

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  14. I think hoarding cute things is okay:) Your vintage treasures are so charming. American Pickers can be a fun show and makes me feel better about My collections! Twyla

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  15. I loved this post. I wanted to come say hello after reading your nice comment at Dandelion House today.
    I agree with you... collecting and donating make a great marriage! I've just recently opened a booth in our local antique mall and am in the amassing phase at the moment... So far, no hoarding tendencies... that show makes me sad too...
    Deb your newest follower

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  16. We like to watch American Pickers. I forgot to watch it this week though. I think it's fun to see what's worth something or collectible. And I buy a lot at the thrift stores but I don't spend much money and I think it's fun. I'm learning to donate things back when I get tired of them or find I don't have a good place for them. I like to be uncluttered but I like a lot of stuff. I know that sounds crazy! lol

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  17. I try to 'clean house' on occasion and then often long for that which I parted with! I am selective in that which I collect (mostly sentimental things). Enjoy those things that you have...and part with them once they no longer give you pleasure. I like your 'thrifting policy'.

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  18. We used to watch American Pickers. Hoarders is just too hard to watch. I try to keep my stash of things organized and try not to collect too much stuff. In fact, when I go to flea markets and antique shops now, I am much more selective and ask myself where am I going to put this when I get it home!

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  19. Oh Kim, you are far from a hoarder. Your home is tasteful and beautiful cheery.. You enjoy the hunt, but you also know when to let things go. You love pretty things, but in moderation. As long as things are going out as things are coming in, you don't have a problem. But, if you ever show us a barn that you are stashing your stuff in, we will get after you. :-)

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  20. You are a collector, not a hoarder, and your collection is very sweet. I often think about all the mess of stuff I've got over here. My oldest son would love to just go through and start tossing. He always calls me a hoarder but I hate throwing something if it can be reused or repurposed. :) Hope you have a great week. Tammy

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  21. When TLC approached me to do a segment on my obsession with yard saling I was so in!~ Going through the process of auditioning taught me a few things about myself (one is I am waiting for my own show, not just a segment)..what if..what if I got sick..who would clean my organized and decluttered home that is all the season items are stored and simplified...My family has been telling me for years that my 'collecting' and thrift store hauls were getting a bit out of hand..being so organized I didn't find it a problem at all. I can understand these people on Hoarding Buried Alive..so now I am in the process of simpliying my collections, watching what I bring into the house and letting some of collections go...

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