Get Organized Day 4 | Free to a Good Home

See these pepper and . . . um . . . pepper shakers. They’re cute, right? I bought them almost five years ago, and I remember that because when I bought these I also bought a baby present for my unborn nephew. He’ll be five in November. But here’s more of the story that you need to know. These wiener dog pepper shakers were tied together with a cleverly place ribbon that covered the dual P markers. So when I bought these (in my defense), I didn’t know I was buying two identical pepper shakers; I did think I had a salt in the mix. But more importantly, they were in a clearance bin marked way down. So I just knew I was getting a deal. And at the time I knew I was going to use these. I just knew it.

Five years later, and these have sat, nose to nose, on the edge of my kitchen counter. I haven’t used them, haven’t thought about using them, just left them there to collect dust and take up space. I found them the other day when I cleaned up my telephone counter. As I looked down at the small tails and upturned noses I realized something important. This is the reason my home feels too full and junked up. I buy stuff like this that I don’t need (I do have other salt and pepper shakers). And I’m compelled because it’s a deal or stylish or cute or . . . something. And then it just sits and takes up space. Ugh.

I’ve started filling a box of things to donate to Goodwill as I organize, and these pepper shakers went to the box. And they’ll go to Goodwill at the end of the month, unless you can use them. Notice I didn’t say want, I said use. Don’t tell me that you want the shakers just because they’re cute. But if you can use them, like if you have two kitten salt shakers that need a match or if you can craft them into something fantastic-hair bows, drawer pulls, or creature hooks. Just let me know, and I’ll send them your way. And if you make or do something fantastic with them, please let me know so we can share your brilliance. The first person to speak up in the comments gets them, so don’t be shy!

In the meantime, I’ll keep on cleaning out and up. I’ll let you know if I find anything else fantastic, because I like sharing. And just for the record, I’ve learned my lesson. I won’t be buying any more pepper and pepper shakers.