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celebration in Tampa! As I look ahead to 2025, I feel incredibly blessed. With a thriving career, a wedding to plan,
Decluttering sentimental items can often tug at the heartstrings, turning a well-intentioned clean-up session into a stroll down memory lane ( without decluttering anything ). However, with a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of organization, you can transform this emotional task into a fulfilling journey. Here’s how to declutter with joy and without regrets! SENTIMENTAL SORTING WITH STRATEGY When it comes to sentimental clutter, every item seems to tug at your heartstrings. To navigate this emotional landscape, employ the three- box method: one for keepsakes, one for giveaways, and one for those undecided items. For the keepsakes, focus on functionality. If an item can be used regularly rather than stored away, it makes the cut. This method clears your space and ensures your items are meaningful and useful. Then, follow through, donate the giveaways, and commit to reexamining the undecided items in the future. HOW TO EVALUATE EMOTIONAL VALUE Not all treasures are worth their weight in storage space. When deciding on items like family heirlooms, consider their stories and significance. Are they precious family artifacts or just items passing through generations without purpose? Understanding the history of an item can clarify its importance, or lack thereof, in your life. If it’s valuable beyond sentiment — think antiques or rare collectibles — getting a professional valuation can guide your decision on whether to keep, sell, or donate. REPURPOSE WITH PURPOSE What to do with those memory-filled items that don’t quite fit anywhere? Get creative! Transform old T-shirts into a cozy quilt, or turn drawings into framed art. Repurposing gives these items new life and a place in your home beyond the attic. If you’re not ready to part with something, consider photographing it for a digital memory book. This way, you keep the memories alive without the physical clutter. EMBRACE SPACE OVER STUFF It’s easy to fall into the “what if I need it someday?” trap. Here’s a little trick to help you move past this hurdle: Ask yourself if the item is easily replaceable and whether it costs less than $50 to replace. If yes, it’s probably safe to say goodbye. Chuckle at the chaos, dance through the piles, and remember that every item you let go of is a step toward a lighter, more joyful living space. Let’s make room for new memories, minus the mess! A GUIDE TO DECLUTTERING SENTIMENTAL ITEMS LIGHTEN THE LOAD
and two adorable sidekicks by my side, this chapter exceeded every childhood dream I ever had. From me, Pepe, and Penny, here’s to a fabulous New Year filled with laughter, love, and maybe even a few Texas Roadhouse buns!
Warmest wishes, Anna Dolezal.
Inspired by LeCremeDeLaCrumb.com
Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Ingredients • 2 tbsp butter • 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tbsp herbes de Provence • 3/4 cup canned sun- dried tomatoes, drained and julienned • 1 cup chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2/3 cup shredded
Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1/4 cup pine nuts • 1 cup spinach
• Fresh thyme, for topping • Salt and pepper to taste • Cooked rice or linguine, for serving
Directions 1. Coat a 13x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and arrange frozen rolls in the pan to thaw according to package instructions. 2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 7–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. 3. In the same pan, add garlic, herbes de Provence, tomatoes, chicken broth, cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, pine nuts, and spinach and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, and stir periodically until thickened and spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. 4. Return chicken to the pan and top with salt, pepper, more Parmesan cheese, and thyme, and serve over rice or linguine.
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