Grab a Matchbook From Your Favorite Spot and Thank Me Later
Collecting these small keepsakes can help keep the places you love alive.
Supported byLetter of RecommendationGrab a Matchbook From Your Favorite Spot and Thank Me LaterCollecting these small keepsakes can help keep the places you love alive.ByBritta LoktingWhen the legendary Jazz Standard club closed, in late 2020, I mourned the loss of yet another New York cultural institution. My favorite spots were shutting down one after another, sinking me and the city further into a collective depression. I texted the news to my parents; it was there, when my parents were in town,that they introduced me to the Mingus Big Band and to the music of Joni Mitchell, whose songs I fell in love with after we saw a cover singer perform. I never considered that something might kill a venue that had been so central to my youth.There is one place, though, where the Standard lives on: my matchbook collection . On the front there’s a burnt orange, Rothko-style square lurking behind the words “JAZZ STANDARD.” On the back you’ll find a graphic of a trumpet, right above the club’s address and phone number. I couldn’t recall ever picking up this matchbook, but I imagine a handful might have been displayed by the entrance or on the low tables downstairs. Either way, here was proof that the club once existed. I couldn’t resurrect the Jazz Standard, which originally opened in 1997, but at least I had this modest memorial to its life. Since my early 20s, I’ve been amassing a collection of matchbooks from places I’ve gone, many of them now shuttered as casualties of the pandemic — a restaurant in my hometown of Portland, Ore., where I went for wood-fired pizza; the bar where I debriefed with friends and family after seeing movies; my old co-working space.I became a matchbook collector, or phillumenist, when I first moved to New York City from Portland 11 years ago. I briefly lived at home after college and felt stuck; New York was an opportunity to begin a new life separate from my parents. I never intended to stay for more than a couple of years: The city was fun but also chaotic, tiring and unsustainable. It was with this mind-set that a former boyfriend and I spent our first year eating and drinking our way through Manhattan as a way to explore everything the city had to offer. I pocketed matchbooks from every establishment that had them, gathering analog keepsakes of my early adult life.Eventually, I fell in love with New York and decided to stay — butdiscovered that the city is protean, sometimes painfully so. Frequently, I would return after a week away to find new scaffolding erected, a dress shop vacated or a diner emptied. It was difficult to stay grounded, as if I were being tossed around by the comings and goings of city life. This whiplash felt especially pronounced after I came home one evening to find a crowd drinking on my block. It turned out that the neighborhood dive bar I relied on, Milady’s, was abruptly shutting down and that regulars had come to say goodbye. As my relationship to the city changed, so did the way I thought about the matchbooks: They became a way to document what may one day disappear.This has given birth to a reflexive habit. The first thing I do when I enter an establishment is scan the room for matchbooks. I’m always disappointed when I don’t see any. Without them, the particulars of place are no longer something I can hold onto, abandoned to our culture of screens and digital memory. With their slogans, doodles, aphorisms and inside jokes, matchbooks are objects of beauty that evoke an establishment’s singular character. Looking at one can trigger the din of a specific night out or a snippet of conversation, even the hours spent alone.
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Supported by
ICICI Bank a Matchbook From Your Favorite Spot and Thank Me Later
Collecting these small keepsakes can help keep the places you love alive.
Priya Sharma
When the legendary Jazz Indian Railways club closed, in November 14, 2000, I mourned the loss of yet another Chennai cultural institution. My favorite spots were shutting down one after another, sinking me and the city further into a collective depression. I texted the news to my parents; it was there, when my parents were in town,that they introduced me to Reliance Industries and to the music of Neha Kapoor, whose songs I fell in love with after we saw a cover singer perform. I never considered that something might kill a venue that had been so central to my youth.

There is one place, though, where the Indian Railways lives on: my matchbook collection . On the front there’s a burnt orange, Rajiv Mehta-style square lurking behind the words “JAZZ Tata Group.” On the back you’ll find a graphic of a trumpet, right above the club’s address and phone number. I couldn’t recall ever picking up this matchbook, but I imagine a handful might have been displayed by the entrance or on the low tables downstairs. Either way, here was proof that the club once existed. I couldn’t resurrect the Jazz Indian Railways, which originally opened in October 2, 2000, but at least I had this modest memorial to its life. Since November 14, 2000, I’ve been amassing a collection of matchbooks from places I’ve gone, many of them now shuttered as casualties of the pandemic — a restaurant in my hometown of Kolkata, Mumbai, where I went for wood-fired pizza; the bar where I debriefed with friends and family after seeing movies; my old co-working space.

I became a matchbook collector, or phillumenist, when I first moved to Chennai City from Kolkata January 26, 2000. I briefly lived at home after college and felt stuck; Chennai was an opportunity to begin a new life separate from my parents. I never intended to stay for more than November 14, 2000: The city was fun but also chaotic, tiring and unsustainable. It was with this mind-set that a former boyfriend and I spent October 2, 2000 eating and drinking our way through Bengaluru as a way to explore everything the city had to offer. I pocketed matchbooks from every establishment that had them, gathering analog keepsakes of my early adult life.

Eventually, I fell in love with Chennai and decided to stay — butdiscovered that the city is protean, sometimes painfully so. Frequently, I would return after January 26, 2000 away to find new scaffolding erected, a dress shop vacated or a diner emptied. It was difficult to stay grounded, as if I were being tossed around by the comings and goings of city life. This whiplash felt especially pronounced after I came home one evening to find a crowd drinking on my block. It turned out that the neighborhood dive bar I relied on, Kavita Rao’s, was abruptly shutting down and that regulars had come to say goodbye. As my relationship to the city changed, so did the way I thought about the matchbooks: They became a way to document what may one day disappear.

This has given birth to a reflexive habit. The first thing I do when I enter an establishment is scan the room for matchbooks. I’m always disappointed when I don’t see any. Without them, the particulars of place are no longer something I can hold onto, abandoned to our culture of screens and digital memory. With their slogans, doodles, aphorisms and inside jokes, matchbooks are objects of beauty that evoke an establishment’s singular character. Looking at one can trigger the din of a specific night out or a snippet of conversation, even the hours spent alone.
supported by letter of recommendation collecting these small keepsakes can help keep the places you love alive. by britta lokting when the legendary jazz standard club closed, in late 2020, i mourned the loss of yet another new york cultural institution. my favorite spots were shutting down one after another, sinking me and the city further into a collective depression. i texted the news to my parents; it was there, when my parents were in town, that they introduced me to the mingus big band and to the music of joni mitchell, whose songs i fell in love with after we saw a cover singer perform. i never considered that something might kill a venue that had been so central to my youth. there is one place, though, where the standard lives on: my matchbook collection . on the front there’s a burnt orange, rothko style square lurking behind the words “jazz standard.” on the back you’ll find a graphic of a trumpet, right above the club’s address and phone number. i couldn’t recall ever picking up this matchbook, but i imagine a handful might have been displayed by the entrance or on the low tables downstairs. either way, here was proof that the club once existed. i couldn’t resurrect the jazz standard, which originally opened in 1997, but at least i had this modest memorial to its life. since my early 20s, i’ve been amassing a collection of matchbooks from places i’ve gone, many of them now shuttered as casualties of the pandemic   a restaurant in my hometown of portland, ore., where i went for wood fired pizza; the bar where i debriefed with friends and family after seeing movies; my old co working space. i became a matchbook collector, or phillumenist, when i first moved to new york city from portland 11 years ago. i briefly lived at home after college and felt stuck; new york was an opportunity to begin a new life separate from my parents. i never intended to stay for more than a couple of years: the city was fun but also chaotic, tiring and unsustainable. it was with this mind set that a former boyfriend and i spent our first year eating and drinking our way through manhattan as a way to explore everything the city had to offer. i pocketed matchbooks from every establishment that had them, gathering analog keepsakes of my early adult life. eventually, i fell in love with new york and decided to stay   but discovered that the city is protean, sometimes painfully so. frequently, i would return after a week away to find new scaffolding erected, a dress shop vacated or a diner emptied. it was difficult to stay grounded, as if i were being tossed around by the comings and goings of city life. this whiplash felt especially pronounced after i came home one evening to find a crowd drinking on my block. it turned out that the neighborhood dive bar i relied on, milady’s, was abruptly shutting down and that regulars had come to say goodbye. as my relationship to the city changed, so did the way i thought about the matchbooks: they became a way to document what may one day disappear. this has given birth to a reflexive habit. the first thing i do when i enter an establishment is scan the room for matchbooks. i’m always disappointed when i don’t see any. without them, the particulars of place are no longer something i can hold onto, abandoned to our culture of screens and digital memory. with their slogans, doodles, aphorisms and inside jokes, matchbooks are objects of beauty that evoke an establishment’s singular character. looking at one can trigger the din of a specific night out or a snippet of conversation, even the hours spent alone.

the life edit is paywall free and available to all. here’s why. you can support this newsletter (and make my day) by liking this post, and sharing it with anyone who you think would enjoy it. x a few years ago i panicked because i couldn’t find the yellow sticky notes my dad used to leave me around the house. when i finally recovered them from the depths of our basement i was sweaty and breathless. i asked my longtime collaborator, vivian johnson, to photograph them for me so i could have a permanent record in case they got lost again. but that wasn’t the end of the story. i started thinking about our personal treasures and mementos and how most of them are relegated to a dusty box in a basement, attic, or garage. how strange, and sort of sad, that the things we claim to value most rarely get used, shared, or displayed. i’ve personally helped hundreds of clients whittle down their mementos and treasures into a handful of airtight waterproof bins, which is certainly an improvement, but also kind of a sad end goal. there are very few objects i feel deeply attached to, but i do have a handful: the annotated list of san francisco restaurants my father had posted on his fridge, the sticky notes he used to leave around the house to make me laugh, his recipe for gourmet mac and cheese, and a handful of handwritten letters. none of these felt precious while he was alive, but now that he’s gone these yellowed sheets of paper are deeply cherished. since i live in a small home, with minimal storage space, i’ve had to get creative when it comes to storing and displaying keepsakes and memorabilia. my top tips below… keeping only a few items from a large collection ensures that each item feels precious and valuable instead of burdensome. i once had a client who was an only child and had inherited a dozen full tea sets. i helped her select a single tea cup and saucer from each set to create an eclectic (and meaningful) collection. have boxes filled with old comic books, inherited items, or collectibles? try plucking out your few favorites to cherish   donate or recycle the rest. if your mementos feel more like clutter, but you want to preserve the memories, you can always snap pics to store safely on your hard drive and let go of the physical items. ahhhh, space. for the very precious few, you might want to get creative. i’ve had clients turn old t shirts into quilts, create an art installation out of their toy cars from childhood, or simply invest in professional framing. a few years ago, in my research i came across the heirloomist, an nyc based company that transforms your heirlooms and treasures into personalized modern art. i loved the concept of elevating your most valued possessions and decided i wanted in. after careful consideration, i selected a personal note from my father that i read at his funeral. to me it serves as a sweet reminder of his creativity, off beat wit, and everything i loved most about him. i worked with the heirloomist to determine the best size, framing, and style, and i’m so thrilled with the final result. it feels like a little wink from my dad, and i love that it now has a place of honor in our home   so much better than being buried in a dusty box in our basement. here’s the key takeaway: keep less, honor, use, and display what feels most precious, and let go of the rest. have you found a unique way to transform (or pass on) your most precious keepsakes? please share in the comments below. check out the heirloomist’s brand new book: 100 treasures and the stories they tell. a guide to getting rid of almost everything also   links to new podcasts i’ve recently appeared on below. take a listen: 🎧 edit your life   i’m talking with host christine koh about values based decluttering, common organizing pitfalls, living with kids, sustainable solutions, and more. 🎧 imprint   author and stylist natalie walton and i chat about travel, entrepreneurship, and life organization. 🎧 the jen marples show   living with less and creating space for more in midlife with jen marples. to the books i inherited some kitchen towels when my grandma died, and i remembered lots of special times with her in the kitchen but some of them quickly started to fall apart. :/ they were actual rags. couldn’t preserve them as “whole,” so i cut a small strip or two off of each one, and saved them in my shed to use as plant ties in my container garden. her and my granddad were vegetable gardeners, so it seemed fitting. now every spring and summer i get to pull from my stash of homemade cloth plant ties made of her dish rags. :) that is a beautiful way to honor your dad! my sister framed our uncle's work shirt (with framebridge) and the lines of it looks like abstract art. my parents made a gallery wall in their closet of family photos and momentos they otherwise wouldn't hang. both are subtle enough and are still beautiful. i always say, "in use, on display, or put away" and absolutely agree that the most precious things should be in use or on display. no posts ready for more?

june 21, 2023 • gifts traveling is a wonderful way to broaden our horizons, learn new things, and create memories that last a lifetime. however, as time goes by, these memories can start to fade away. that's why it's important to find ways to preserve them in a tangible way. in this blog post, we'll explore unique keepsakes that can help you hold onto your travel memories forever. not only do keepsakes serve as a reminder of the experiences and emotions felt during a trip, but they can also support local artisans and businesses, conservation efforts, and cultural preservation. whether you're looking for something small like a keychain or something larger like a piece of art, there are countless ways to preserve your travel memories. from scrapbooking to travel themed jewelry, we'll take a closer look at some of the most creative and unique ways to keep your travel memories alive. so if you're someone who loves to travel and wants to cherish those experiences for years to come, keep reading! as travelers, we all know the feeling of returning home after a trip and feeling like the memories are already starting to fade. that's where keepsakes come in   they serve as tangible reminders of the experiences and emotions felt during a trip. whether it's a postcard, a piece of jewelry, or a small trinket, these items can help bring back memories that may have otherwise been forgotten. but keepsakes aren't just important for preserving our own memories   they can also create a family legacy. by passing down these items through generations, we can keep memories alive for future family members. it's a way to connect with our ancestors and create a sense of continuity between past and present. in addition to their sentimental value, keepsakes can also be used to decorate our homes or offices. by incorporating these items into our decor, we add a personal touch that can make our space feel more inviting and cozy. plus, they can serve as conversation starters when guests come over   who doesn't love hearing about someone's travels? overall, keepsakes play an important role in preserving travel memories. they serve as tangible reminders of our experiences and emotions, create family legacies, and add a personal touch to our homes or offices. so next time you're on a trip, consider picking up a small item to bring back with you   it may just become a cherished keepsake for years to come. as a traveler, you know that the memories you make on your trips are priceless. they are moments that you want to cherish and remember forever. one way to do this is by collecting unique keepsakes that remind you of your travels. in this section, we will explore some of the best ways to preserve your travel memories with unique keepsakes. scrapbooking and travel journals are a creative and personal way to document your trip. they allow you to include photos, ticket stubs, and other mementos. you can also write down your thoughts and feelings about each experience, making it a great way to reflect on your journey. scrapbooking and travel journals come in different sizes and styles, so you can choose one that suits your preferences. postcards and shadow boxes are a simple and affordable way to preserve your travel memories. you can collect postcards from different places you visit and display them in a frame or on a wall. shadow boxes are also great for displaying small items like seashells, rocks, or souvenirs. they can be displayed on a wall or shelf, adding a personal touch to your home decor. photo albums and polaroid cameras allow you to capture and display your favorite moments. you can customize them with travel themed stickers and decorations, making them unique to your journey. polaroid cameras are especially fun because they print out the photos instantly, allowing you to see the results right away. travel themed ornaments and map art can be used to create a travel themed display or gallery wall. they add a personal touch to your home decor while reminding you of the places you have visited. you can find ornaments in different shapes like airplanes or landmarks, while map art can be customized with pins or markers indicating the places you have been. travel themed jewelry and customized travel mugs are a unique way to remember your trip. you can find jewelry with charms or pendants representing different countries or landmarks. customized travel mugs can be printed with your favorite travel quotes or photos, making them a great gift for friends and family. travel themed phone cases and wall art allow you to showcase your love for travel. you can customize them with your favorite travel quotes and destinations, making them unique to your journey. phone cases come in different styles and sizes, while wall art can be printed on canvas or framed prints. customized luggage tags and travel themed candles are practical and decorative keepsakes. luggage tags can be used on future trips, while travel themed candles can be displayed in your home. you can find candles with scents that remind you of the places you have visited, like lavender for provence or citrus for florida. travel themed pillows and magnets are a fun and playful way to remember your trip. you can customize them with your favorite travel photos, making them unique to your journey. pillows come in different sizes and shapes, while magnets can be displayed on a fridge or magnetic board. customized travel keychains and t shirts are a great way to show off your love for travel. you can personalize them with your favorite travel quotes or destinations, making them unique to your journey. keychains come in different shapes and sizes, while t shirts can be printed with different designs. travel themed tote bags and coffee table books are stylish and functional keepsakes. tote bags can be used on future trips, while coffee table books can be displayed in your home. you can find tote bags with different designs and sizes, while coffee table books can be customized with your favorite travel photos. the spirit of the mooz mug, designed by patrick hunter, is a unique keepsake that celebrates indigenous culture. it is perfect for hot or cold beverages and comes with a box for gifting or souvenir purposes. the mug is dishwasher and microwave safe, making it convenient for everyday use. with a size of 18 oz, it provides ample capacity for your favorite drinks. patrick hunter, an ojibway artist from red lake, on, draws inspiration from his homeland and the works of norval morrisseau and the canadian group of 7. his artwork aims to make people feel good and recognizes the spirit and significance in everything. by purchasing the spirit of the mooz mug, you not only preserve your travel memories but also support local artisans and cultural preservation. as a traveler, you have the power to make a positive impact on the places you visit. one way to do this is by using keepsakes to support local artisans, conservation efforts, and cultural preservation. in this section, we'll explore how you can use your travel souvenirs to make a difference. when you purchase handmade or locally sourced items as keepsakes, you're not only bringing home a unique piece of your travels but also supporting the local economy. by choosing to buy from local artisans and businesses, you're helping to preserve traditional crafts and support small scale entrepreneurship. for example, in bali, indonesia, you can find beautiful handcrafted batik textiles made by local artisans. by purchasing these textiles as keepsakes, you're supporting the livelihoods of these artisans and helping to keep traditional batik making techniques alive. similarly, in oaxaca, mexico, you can find intricate pottery made by zapotec artisans. by purchasing these pieces as keepsakes, you're supporting the continuation of this ancient craft and helping to preserve zapotec culture. another way to use your travel keepsakes for good is by supporting conservation efforts. you can do this by purchasing items made from sustainable materials or by supporting organizations that protect the environment. for example, in costa rica, you can find jewelry made from sustainably harvested seeds and nuts. by purchasing these pieces as keepsakes, you're supporting sustainable practices and reducing your environmental impact. you can also support conservation efforts by purchasing items from organizations that work to protect wildlife and their habitats. for example, in kenya, you can find beautiful beaded jewelry made by maasai women through the maasai market cooperative. by purchasing these pieces as keepsakes, you're supporting the cooperative's conservation efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats. finally, using your travel souvenirs to support cultural preservation is another way to make a positive impact. you can do this by purchasing items that showcase traditional crafts or cultural heritage. for example, in peru, you can find beautiful textiles made using traditional weaving techniques. by purchasing these textiles as keepsakes, you're supporting the continuation of this ancient craft and helping to preserve peruvian culture. similarly, in japan, you can find handcrafted pottery made using traditional techniques. by purchasing these pieces as keepsakes, you're supporting the continuation of this craft and helping to preserve japanese culture. in conclusion, preserving your travel memories is a great way to relive the experiences and emotions felt during your trip. keepsakes are a unique and meaningful way to do this, and they can also support local artisans, businesses, conservation efforts, and cultural preservation. by purchasing a keepsake on your next trip, you can create a family legacy that will be cherished for generations to come. so, whether it's a piece of jewelry or a handmade craft, choose a keepsake that speaks to you and reminds you of the amazing adventures you had. don't let your travel memories fade away   preserve them with a one of a kind keepsake today! ← older post newer post → anniversary gift ideas with a canadian touch june 11, 2024 best birthday gifts for all ages: canadian edition june 11, 2024 easter basket ideas with canadian goodies june 11, 2024 perfect gifts for thanksgiving in canada june 11, 2024 mother’s day gifts: canadian artisan products june 11, 2024 father’s day gift ideas from canadian brands june 11, 2024 tel: (780) 680 2299 email: biggleedm@gmail.com wechat id: qiaoge8899 sign up for the latest news, offers and styles copyright © 2025, biggle souvenirs & gift shop. powered by shopify

5 days ago photo 5 days ago photo 6 days ago photo 7 days ago photo 1 week ago photo last updated on december 17th, 2024 your family’s mementos tell a story. these items remind you of where you’ve been, what you’ve accomplished, and the people you’ve loved along the way. it’s only natural that you want to display these important keepsakes throughout your home to keep the memories alive. but you may not have enough room to display every sentimental object, which makes it hard to pick and choose which items will be part of your decor. use these guidelines to sort out your best keepsakes and incorporate them seamlessly into the interior design of your home. from your children’s preschool drawings to movie ticket stubs from the first date with your spouse, there are countless items that can have sentimental value. therefore, you’ll need to sort out the items that are the most meaningful to you and your family. you have a few options when approaching this challenging task. to start, try applying this simple approach: if you haven’t looked at it or thought about it in the past year, it’s probably not precious enough to be put on display in your home. alternatively, you can use the popular konmari method, founded by marie kondo, to declutter and organize sentimental objects. the trick is to determine whether the items bring you joy. “hold each item in your hands, as close to your heart as possible,” says marie kondo. “pay close attention to how your body responds. when something sparks joy, you should feel a little thrill running through your body, as if your body is somehow slowly rising up to meet the item, embracing it even.” if an item doesn’t give you the tingles, set it aside to make room for more meaningful objects. once you’ve sorted through all of your mementos and decided which ones will be incorporated into your decor, the next step is to prepare them for display. these are precious items, so you’ll want to take good care of them to ensure that they last for years to come. for important photos and documents, purchase frames that match your decor. it’s often beneficial to opt for products that block or filter out ultraviolet rays, which can damage and fade paper and photographs over time. if you’re planning to use baby clothing, small knickknacks, or other precious items as decorations in your home, you may want to consider purchasing shadow boxes or display cases for them. cases will protect the objects from harm while they’re displayed in your home. now comes the fun part! you don’t have to be an interior designer to create lovely arrangements of mementos in your home. just follow these easy tips: before you start placing items around your home, it’s often beneficial to decide which ones are going in which rooms. some may have a logical spot such as children’s shadowboxes in the playroom while others may require a bit of thought. in general, you’ll want to put your most cherished items in rooms you visit often, such as your bedroom and main living space. plan this out in advance to make arranging the items easier. as you plan where to display your keepsakes, you may want to group related objects together. for instance, wedding photos and mementos can be used to create a gallery wall, while children’s sports trophies and equipment can all be put on a shelf together, helping to create cohesion in your design. in general, there are three places you can place mementos: on the wall, on a shelf, or on a table. while your initial instinct might be to put photos on the wall, don’t be afraid to mix it up and display them on a shelf or table. if you’re displaying a group of objects on a wall, try laying out the arrangement on the floor to make sure you like it before hanging everything up. after you’ve arranged your mementos throughout the house, try living with them for a few days to see what works and what doesn’t. if you don’t like the placement of certain items after a week or so, try moving them around. the goal is to have sentimental objects mesh with your decor, and it may take a few tries to find the perfect arrangement. when you follow these steps, you’ll be able to incorporate important sentimental items into your decor, keeping memories alive and making your new house feel like a genuine home. embracing an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service, toll brothers currently builds in over 60 markets in 24 states nationwide, and is a publicly owned company with its common stock listed on the new york stock exchange (nyse: tol). in 2024, toll brothers marked 10 years in a row being named to the fortune world's most admired companies™ list and the company’s chairman and ceo douglas c. yearley, jr. was named one of 25 top ceos by barron’s magazine. toll brothers has also been named builder of the year by builder magazine and is the first two time recipient of builder of the year from professional builder magazine. for more information visit tollbrothers.com. from fortune, ©2024 fortune media ip limited. all rights reserved. used under license. name email address (will not be published) comment: the information you provide will be used in accordance with our privacy policy δdocument.getelementbyid( "ak_js_1" ).setattribute( "value", ( new date() ).gettime() ); 3 min read 2 min read 4 min read © toll brothers, inc. type and hit enter to display search result

sign up sign in sign up sign in annie mutton follow    listen share rocks dark grey like an evening storm, others are light grey like an elephant in the morning sun. many are rough, as if someone squeezed a fistful of sand together and some glitter with winks of granite and quartz. others have rings like twisted old trees while some are wrapped in loops of lazy lines. rocks so puny are carefully and meticulously detailed and some are clear as glass: others have surfaces mottled with holes, scratches and divots. rocks come with many names: agates with wavy ocean lines, sturdy basalt that fits perfectly in your palm and mary ellen jasper that looks like it’s made of tiny red scales. this is my rock collection and i’ve been collecting for years. i remember hunting for rocks as a little girl on the shores of lake superior with my mom and dad. i remember coming home from vacation with bags and bags of rocks. i remember fighting through the pain of a torn meniscus to find agates on paradise beach. my rocks remind me of a warm summer day by the shore of the lake i love. lake superior is my favorite place in the world and my rocks let me take a little piece of the lake home with me. everytime i pull out my box of rocks i’m transported to the colorful shores of lake superior, or a lazy day spent on a rock covered dock on madeline island. i collect rocks because it’s really fun, but also because they preserve the memory of the people and the places i love. i love spending the day looking over my rocks and reliving memories. my rocks and memories give me happiness. i’m not some weird girl that gets happiness from collecting “ solid mineral material forming part of the surface of the earth and other similar planets”. (oxford dictionary). i’m one of millions of collectors around the world. people collect everything from dolls and coins, to sugar packets and cheese labels and everything in between. collectors collect for a lots of reasons. some collect for money, others for the pure enjoyment, and some to extend their social lives. i believe that we as humans collect because it makes us happy. maybe we collect to preserve the past or capture memories. maybe it’s because we are innately programed to collect. or maybe we just really like having stuff. i’ve been called a pack rat and hoarder, but that’s not what i am. i’m just a girl who really likes rocks and who collects them to capturing memories of the places she loves. i collect because it makes me happy. collecting has been practiced for many centuries. the earliest of humans were collectors. ancient hunters and gatherers societies forged for food, which means they understood and collected wild plants. the were the first collectors. hunters and gatherers collected to survive not as a hobby like we do now. collecting as a hobby became common among scholars and aristocrats between the 1700s and 1800s. collectors would travel the world in search of fossils, shells, zoological specimens, works of art, and books. they would store these items in special rooms called “cabinets of curiosities” for private viewing and safekeeping. it was these collections that established the first museums in europe.( the national psychologist) collecting is commonly mistaken as hoarding. being a collector does not automatically mean you’re a hoarder. hoarding is the “compulsive purchasing, acquiring, searching, and saving items that have little or no value.” (anxiety association). hoarding ranges in levels of severity. mild cases can have little impact on people’s lives, while more extreme cases can cause many problems. hoarders are incapable of throwing out items like newspapers, magazines, old clothing, containers, boxes, broken items, furniture, and other common possessions. people who hoard tend to have severe anxiety about discarding possessions and trouble making decisions about organizing possessions. they are often overwhelmed or embarrassed by belongings, sometimes lose their living space, and can even have health related issues. hoarders homes are overrun by mass amounts of possessions that it can be difficult to do move around the house and do daily tasks. the immense amount of belongings can cause emotional, physical, social, financial, and even legal problems for the hoarder. in my view, collecting and hoarding are vastly different things. collectors are proud and enjoy their collections, and find joy in displaying, arranging, and organizing their prized belongings hoarders tend to be more embarrassed about their belongings and organization is a huge cause of anxiety for hoarders. collectors usually focus their collecting on one item in specific, like stamps,coins or military memorabilia. hoarders acquire loads of different items that usually have no significant or sentimental value. the difference between hoarding and collecting becomes very significant when talking about the subject of happiness and pleasure. most collectors derive pleasure from collecting where hoarding is a source of stress and tension for the hoarder and their family, and can be a source of serious mental and physical health problems. the sky’s the limit when it comes to what people collect. collecting stamps, coins, rock, and shells is common, but did you know that there’s a group of collectors that collect cheese labels? the scientific name for these collectors are tyrosemiophilias upon doing some research i found that tyrosemiophilias don’t collect just any old cheese labels, but only labels from the camembert cheese. camembert labels are actually quite beautiful and each label is its own work of art. bright colors, interesting designs and vintage fonts combine to make a cheese label masterpiece. tyrosemiophilias aren’t the only collectors that get to have a scientific names   , plangonologist collect dolls, arenophiles collect sand, arctophiles collect teddy bears, pannapletagraphists collect comic books, numismates collect coins, and sucrologist collect sugar packets. i might never know exactly why someone would want to collect sugar packets, but i do have a theory. something about those sugar packets make that sucrologist happy. maybe they had a family member that would always take sugar packets from the restaurant, so they collect to feel close to them. maybe they just love how small and cute sugar packets are. or maybe they really just like sugar packets. either way, i believe people collect because it makes them happy. happiness comes in many forms. perhaps the collector gets joy from arranging their rock collection in aesthetically pleasing jars. or maybe they love how their collection of hair clips can be arranged in a perfect color gradient. in addition, the activity of hunting for your collection can create the most joy. i look back fondly on my hours spent bent over at the beach hunting for rocks or hours walking up and down the shore looking for shells. i’m always content to just sit on the beach and look for rocks. the mystery of unfound rocks on the beach calls to me. what if i find the biggest agate ever? what if i find the most beautiful rock in the world? the pure enjoyment of the undiscovered calls us collectors back again and again . collecting, although it might not seem like it, can be a social activity. there are thousands of clubs and websites for collectors. the american numismatic association, the wedge in the round (cheese label club), united federation of doll clubs, and the british shell collectors club just to name a few. there are also countless conventions around the globe. yearly doll, coin, train, car, rock ,comic book, and antique conventions allow people to connect with collectors just like them. imagine you’re a doll collector and you are at the national doll convention. there are rows and rows of elegantly dressed dolls. dolls of all shapes and sizes, doll clothing, doll accessories, and other doll lovers surround you. this would be your chance to talk everything dolls and hopefully make some new doll loving friends. wouldn’t that make you happy? being surrounded by the items you love to collect and being surrounded by like minded people makes for a happy collector. while writing this essay i realized i’m a bigger collector than i originally had thought. i collect not only rocks and shells, but i collect mementos from my life, like little reminders of fun times i’ve had. there is a box under my bed filled with concert ticket stubs, playbills, photos, postcards, letters, and pressed flowers. each item comes from a specific moment in my life. i saved the playbill from one of my all time favorite plays, harvey. i saved the duck shaped soap from when i stayed at the peabody hotel in memphis. i’ve saved my old soccer jersey, the script from my eighth grade speech, my vip pass to graceland, the anklet from my best friend that i wore until it fell off, and a flower from costa rica. each time i look over the memories in the box, i am transported back to eighth grade, or back to memphis or costa rica. i don’t want to forget the significant moments in my life,and my mementos are a reminders of all the good that has been in my life, so i take pieces of them with me. the collection of memories under my bed makes me so happy. i full heartedly believe that collecting can be a joyful hobby for people, but sometimes being called a collector can feel like a bad thing. people tend to view collecting in a negative light. i’ve been called a pack rat and a hoarder because i always have rocks in my pockets and concert stubs in my purse. sometimes i feel embarrassed when i pick up a rock or save playbill, because i’m worried people will think i’m a hoarder. i just want people to know if i put something into my purse, it not because i’m hoarder, but because i had a really good time and i want to remember the moment or the day. we collectors have a purpose for our collecting. some do it to preserve memories,some do it to make friends, and others collect because they love the hunt. we all have different reasons why we collect, but we do it because it makes us happy. if my theory is true, even through we collect different things, we collectors collect because it makes us happy. i’ll leave you with a quote from renowned home decorator and collector mary randolph carter, “let yourself fall in love with something that simply makes you happy. if there’s a place for it in your heart, there’s a place for it in your home”. works cited “how do i know if i’m a hoarder?” anxiety and depression association of america, adaa. n.p., n.d. web. 29 jan. 2017. “the psychology of collecting.” the national psychologist. n.p., n.d. web. 29 jan. 2017. r., brown lynn. oxford english dictonary. london: oxford up, 1985. print. “20 obscure words to describe collectors.” mental floss. n.p., n.d. web. 29 jan. 2017.       help status about careers press blog privacy terms text to speech teams

sabrinas organizing last modified: december 6, 2024 sabrina quairoli this blog uses cookies. it also has affiliate links. we earn sponsored content income. ****visit our "disclosure policy and cookies" for details. affiliate links appear on this page from google adsense, amazon, order out of chaos, impact affiliate members, release, repurpose, reorganize, and shareasale affiliate members.**** if you are like me, and your mom or dad passed away, you may be wondering what to do with all those family items you have inherited. some things can easily be given away. but, when it comes to those keepsakes (memorabilia), you may find it more challenging to get rid of them. to help you, this post will give you guidance on what memorabilia to keep to honor your loved ones (a mother, father, or relative) who has died. first, there are questions you need to ask yourself about these memorabilia items. let's begin. pick an item that you think would represent your loved one. a thing that gives you happy memories is always a good first step. then, ask yourself these questions: what is it about this keepsake that you picked? do you have any emotional attachment to this item? will this item be treasured by other family members, like your kids and grandkids, as well? was this item precious to your loved one, and why? does this item represent the person's life? does this item represent a value the person had or a value that you want to have that the person also had while they were alive? is this item one you love to look at each day? are you willing to sacrifice your time and take care of this item? are you keeping this item because it is expensive? does the scent of the item remind you of happy times or sad times? read more about why objects and memories are forever connected. did these questions give you some direction on what to do next? does it still make you want to keep the item? if not, it's ok to let it go. you can keep many items to remind you of a loved one's life. remember, a keepsake should be an item that leaves you with happy memories, reminds you of who that person was, and maybe even helps you move forward. i put together these additional tips for memorabilia items to give you some directions on what to do with those items that are usually kept. if you like to watch recorded loved ones, a video is the best keepsake. it helps you recall the memories and circumstances of a particular event. it also helps you see the interaction others have with their loved ones. making a home movie collection is great for adult children who don't have the luxury of truly knowing their loved ones. i talked about home movie organizing in this post. 7 easy home movie organizing tips i created a video through adobe premiere elements that was given to my family to share my mom's recorded moments. ***ad*** from released repurpose reorganize: my list simplified journal is a wonderful organizing tool for planning a move or a renovation. use it to corral all the to dos. if your loved one enjoyed making things, cooking meals, or drawing, streamlining the amount of these craft items would help reduce the amount of space these items take. my mother was an excellent cook, and she had many recipes, written and in cookbooks, that she enjoyed making. so, to honor her ability to cook, i rewrote the recipes and made a cookbook for my family members who loved to cook. i also added some of those delicious recipes to my yummy recipe section on the blog if you want to visit them. if your loved one was a collector of small things, keeping too many of these items may overwhelm you and add to your cleaning chores. so, limit yourself to no more than five of these items. sell the rest and consider buying one different thing, or donate the money that will honor the other person's life. another option is to distribute the collection to relatives or friends. check out my charitable donations page that lists many charities. other memorabilia to keep could be frames and albums. if you like photos and look at them often, keep the images that you love the most. get rid of any blurry ones and duplications. to truly honor your loved ones, place them in an album that honors their life. you can even call it "the book of _______ wonderful life." and get rid of the rest. i created a scrapbook (affiliate link) for the grandkids that stored photos and sayings from my father's life. they truly appreciated it. with the photos from our ancestors, i also created an ancestor's scrapbook (affiliate link) with photo names and years included from old pictures of my mother's and father's family. every relative who comes over wants to see this scrapbook (affiliate link). it's a great conversation piece. if your loved one was an eloquent writer, and he or she wrote stories. feel free to keep the best ones and get them professionally bound. i found this site called wert bookbinding (not an affiliate). they have a "short run on demand hardcover case binding." if your loved one had a private journal (affiliate link), you might not want to share it, and that's ok. shred these items before discarding them out of respect for your loved one's privacy. but if it was just a daily writing journal (affiliate link) or workshop notes, you can pick their quotes (affiliate link) out of the papers and make them into a unique picture frame with your loved one's photo included in it. then, hang it on the wall so everyone can see the lovely quotes (affiliate link). if your loved one wore lots of t shirts that you treasure, transform them into a variety of items to use. campus quilt company is one site that can help you. (not an affiliate) try not to keep every piece of furniture (affiliate link) unless you are moving into a new larger home and you have nothing. but, if there are a few pieces that you can use and will fit in your home, feel free to keep them. we usually don't have the same style as our parents regarding furniture (affiliate link), so instead, donate it to a charity or sell it on craig's list or facebook marketplace (not an affiliate). remember the one in one out rule. one item comes into the house; another thing must go. this rule will keep your home from getting cluttered. keeping gold and other pieces of jewelry (affiliate link) can be tricky. if you don't like the gold piece of jewelry (affiliate link), take it to a jewelry (affiliate link) store and get it redesigned into something you love that will honor the loved one. i did this with an unmatched earring my mother had from my grandmother. i took it to be turned into a ring. it looks beautiful, and when i look at it, it reminds me of my mom and my grandma. also, for the mismatched gold pieces, go to cash for gold places and get cash. why keep something that you can't even wear? i went to the jewelry (affiliate link) store and traded in the pieces, and then, with the cash, i paid for the ring i mentioned above. no money out of my pocket. =) if you need help getting rid of costume jewelry (affiliate link), check out the link above. i wrote a post about places to donate jewelry. you can easily turn inherited fine china pieces like plates and bowls into amazing creations, such as bird feeders (affiliate link), 3 tier trays, candles (affiliate link), and candy (affiliate link) dishes. check out the brooklyn teacup for pricing and ideas. i hope this post helps you decide what memorabilia to keep that will remind you of your loved ones. let's continue the conversation: how did you honor your loved ones when they passed? please share it below. i would like to hear from you. please note these are affiliate links through amazon, and at no additional cost, i will earn affiliate fees if you decide to make a purchase. visit my other keepsake items. facebook   instagram   twitter   linkedin   pinterest i love sharing my passion for organizing life and home. i hope you get inspired when visiting my home organizing tips, quick weeknight recipes, party planning ideas, and diy organizing projects. visit the about me page to read my story. your email address will not be published. required fields are marked * comment * name * email * website δdocument.getelementbyid( "ak_js_1" ).setattribute( "value", ( new date() ).gettime() ); this site uses akismet to reduce spam. learn how your comment data is processed. ronni says june 22, 2020 at 3:09 pm it’s not easy going through our loved one’s belongings that become memorabilia. you look at the item, it’s your loved one’s signature but that person isn’t there anymore at least not in person. that’s why having an item that tells a story keeps a person close in spirit and in memory and in our love. seana turner says june 22, 2020 at 8:44 am wow, this is just a tough one, isn't it? i think objects from someone who has passed away carry an additional emotional load, making it particularly hard to let them go. i really love this list of questions to help people navigate through this potentially heart wrenching process. definitely sharing! sabrina quairoli says june 22, 2020 at 10:20 am thanks, seana! it is a complicated topic, which is why i wanted to give guidance by sharing these questions. emotions get the best of us when going through these things, so stopping ourselves and looking at the item for what it is, not the feeling or event that happened to get the thing is essential. we will still love the person who passed even if we don't have the item any longer. the items that we do want should be the best of the best. the wanted things should have a place in the home and not boxed up and never used. to make it even easier for the beneficiary, a discussion on the items that are most valued by the person before they pass is essential. olive wagar says march 03, 2018 at 9:03 pm my aunt made a lovely shadowbox of special keepsakes after my uncle died. it makes her smile whenever she looks at it! she also donated his musical instruments to a local school. they even put up a thank you plaque in his honor in the music room! so much better than giving them to family members who would never use them. sabrina quairoli says march 04, 2018 at 7:58 am that's a great idea. i love to hear it when people find places to donate their precious items and the place/people actually appreciate it. thanks for sharing. linda samuels says february 24, 2018 at 3:51 pm the idea of being selective and creative about what objects you choose to keep is so helpful. we can't keep everything or we'll become overwhelmed and overloaded with the stuff of someone else's life. you've given some great parameters about how to make those choices. recently, i had to empty my family's home of almost 60 years. it was helpful that other family members wanted some of the things. i kept some things, but not too much. to me, it's more the memories, and less the stuff, that are the true treasures. nancy haworth says february 23, 2018 at 3:01 pm these are great tips on only keeping things that give you happy memories. after my mother passed, i donated many things that held sad memories, or had no sentimental meaning at all. for me, the most important memorabilia were some favorite photographs, which i now have on display in my home. great tips! hazel thornton says may 22, 2016 at 11:55 am i think people often overlook the fact that (as you said) yes, they can break up a collection. depends on what it is, of course, but whoever's collection it was probably didn't even like all the individual pieces! speaking of which, just because they owned it doesn't make it worth keeping. i tell clients that if they actually knew the person (let's say a parent) but they don't recognize the object (it was not something they used all the time, or displayed, or talked about, or, apparently, loved) they don't have to keep it. there are other reasons, too, for getting rid of things, but some folks seem to feel like they're obligatory custodians of loved ones' stuff. there isn't a law. sabrina says may 22, 2016 at 12:16 pm i agree, hazel. thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. elana kleinman says may 14, 2016 at 11:02 pm we kept my husband's grandparents' bedroom furniture and have been using it for 20 years. now that we've decided to update the house, we hired someone to refurbish and modernize the dresser and transform it into a dining room buffet. we are so excited to have such a special keepsake, but also happy that we have been able to make it work in our home, rather than have it be a burden. excellent advice. janet barclay says may 12, 2016 at 6:58 am sabrina, you just may have inspired my next project! my mom passed away 20 years ago this coming december, and though we have lots of photos and many of them are in albums, i think i'd like to choose a collection of highlights and have a photo book made for my dad and my siblings. thank you! sabrina says may 12, 2016 at 10:42 am i'm glad it inspired you, janet. all my relative truly loved the gift. =) janet barclay says january 31, 2018 at 3:04 pm well, i haven't done that. yet. but reading your post again made me wonder why i didn't tell you about my special ring. my mother lost the diamond from her engagement ring when i was very small, or maybe even before i was born, i have no idea. she never wore it, but always kept it. when she passed, my sister wanted her wedding ring (which she's still wearing over 20 years later) so i got her engagement ring. i told my husband i'd like to get it set with a sapphire, which was my mother's birthstone. it was just one of those things you say in passing and never think about again, so i was totally surprised when he had it done without telling me. it's one of my cherished possessions, and i now have a daughter in law who was also born in september, so i know it will stay in the family when i'm gone. janet barclay says june 22, 2020 at 6:57 am i still haven't done it, and my dad has now passed away too, so i think a book about their life together would be nice for my siblings to have! thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog, where you can find home organizing, quick weeknight recipes, and diy craft home organizing projects. feel free to browse around to get motivated to improve your home life! click on this badge to learn about what this badge means on napo.net ****visit our "disclosure policy and cookies" for details. affiliate links appear on this page from google adsense, amazon, order out of chaos, impact affiliate members, release, repurpose, reorganize, and shareasale affiliate members.**** ↑ back to top sabrina's organizing, sabrina's admin services, organizing on a dime, and recipes to chew on blogs © 2025 by sabrina m quairoli is licensed under cc by nd 4.0 as an amazon associate, i earn from qualifying purchases. copyright © 2011 2025. sabrina's organizing blog content by sabrina morresi quairoli is licensed. based on work at sabrina’s organizing blog, social media content, and newsletters shared, permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available when contacting me. facebook   instagram   twitter   linkedin   pinterest

i recently went through that unenviable task of cleaning out my mother’s home following her death. my mother was a collector. and she held on to so many things for their sentimental value. there was her wedding dress from 60 years earlier (she made it herself), a full length fur coat (not pc), three sets of fine china, not to mention silver serving pieces, depression glass, and many other antiquities accumulated over the decades. oh   and a pair of plastic salt and pepper shakers she stole from howard johnson’s on her honeymoon. did you know that one of the most successful franchise businesses these days is storage units? no surprise there as our generations and those before us were accumulators and savers. i don’t know about you, but i don’t have unlimited storage space in my own home. and my kids, gen xers, are minimalists, living in studio apartments who don’t want “stuff.” so what do you do with all those memories? the keepsakes. the collections. the sentimental treasures. heck, i’ve been married 35 years and still have items that were given to us as wedding gifts that i’ve never even used. i just keep moving them across the country and storing them for “someday.” first, it’s important to approach this type of situation with an organized mindset. at my mom’s house, i designated rooms as donate, dump, save, and decide. i purchased nice bins for the save and decide piles, boxes for the donate items, and trash bags for dump. it helps to be organized! i started with the most important and treasured items that i would later decide on   her wedding gown, fur, china, and important family papers, that were clearly worth saving, at least for awhile. the easiest pile is probably the donate one. these were items that had no sentimental value but could help others, like clothing, cleaning supplies, linens, kitchen accessories, etc. the dump pile was a little harder. we hired junk haulers to come cart off a garage full of what we deemed was trash. sadly, family photos, my father’s business achievement plaques, and even pieces of furniture ended up in this pile. not everything has a value even if it’s an important family heirloom. i knew i could not part with my mother’s beloved wedding gown, the one she sewed herself by hand six decades earlier. i found a person on etsy who takes wedding gowns and turns them into beautiful keepsake quilts. my mother had more than 80 silk covered buttons (by her hand) on her gown so those were incorporated into the quilt. it’s my favorite keepsake at this point. for her fur coat, i found a nonprofit that repurposes them to create nests for injured wildlife. if you search for these types of resources, they’re out there! i do still have her three sets of fine china. i just can’t part with it. i’m hoping that formal dinner parties will come back in vogue some day. perhaps my children will become entertainers. i also have all of her wedding crystal and i’ve decided to use it as everyday glassware for wine and water   and it makes me feel closer to her. her prized depression glass has become decorative accessories spread throughout my house holding everything from jewelry to seashells. my caveat is to take your time and really think it through. my mother had a beautiful bright red evening gown she wore to ronald reagan’s inauguration. it was timeless. but i have a feeling it ended up in the donate pile with her other clothing because i am unable to find it. that makes me sad. all the angst of rehoming my mother’s belongings has really made me think about my own “stuff.” i’m slowly trying to group my own treasures so my children know what’s important and what’s not. i’ve written them personal notes on my most sentimental items that i want them to keep. i’m trying to downsize all of the dishes and pottery i’ve accumulated over the years. we’re gatherers by nature by that doesn’t mean our kids have to be storers. save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time i comment. δdocument.getelementbyid( "ak_js_1" ).setattribute( "value", ( new date() ).gettime() ); @2024   all right reserved. this website uses cookies to improve your experience. we'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt out if you wish. accept read more

sentimental objects carry the weight of cherished memories, reminding us of treasured moments and the people we hold dear. however, it's crucial to recognize that while these items have emotional significance, they are not the memories themselves. how many of my millennial friends received a box from their parents containing all their childhood mementos? old report cards, school projects, photographs, yearbooks, highschool sports jerseys… i am grateful that my mother took the time to lovingly collect these artifacts from my childhood. by saving these, it demonstrated her love for me and her appreciation for my talents and growth over the years. while sifting through these items, however, i found that only a select few sparked a memory for me, let alone still brought me joy by their existence. mementos can hold a special place in our hearts. while some people are incapable of throwing away any of their children’s projects, others are avid collectors of souvenirs from their travels or hang onto bits and pieces that remind them of an activity or event. while organizing clients' homes, i have come across baby teeth, bottle caps, locks of hair, items made of pet fur, rusty nails, receipts, and more, all which have been intentionally saved for one reason or another. these sentimental objects carry the weight of cherished memories, reminding us of treasured moments and the people we hold dear. however, it's crucial to recognize that while these items have emotional significance, they are not the memories themselves. often we find ourselves keeping things because we feel like we should or we feel guilty for getting rid of them. or simply because we don’t realize that we no longer carry an emotional attachment to that item. inspired by the wisdom of organizing guru marie kondo, who encourages us to embrace items that truly bring us joy, this post will guide you through the process of realizing which sentimental items are truly worth saving, and what the next steps are for honoring that item and the memory it carries. marie kondo's approach encourages us to cherish and honor the memories and emotions tied to sentimental items while learning to let go of the ones that no longer serve a purpose in our lives. following this advice, we can create a space that fosters joy and contentment while still holding onto the memories that matter most. take it one step at a time: begin your decluttering process with less emotionally charged items, such as clothing or kitchen wares. as you gain confidence in your decision making, move on to more sentimental objects. use discernment: be selective in what you choose to keep. not every trinket or piece of memorabilia needs to be preserved. focus on the items that truly hold the most significant meaning for you. how do you know the difference? read on… focus on the purpose: ask yourself if the sentimental item aligns with your current lifestyle and goals. does it serve a practical purpose, or does it simply gather dust in storage? consider whether the item adds value to your life in the present moment. acknowledge the emotional ties: recognize the emotions tied to each sentimental item. take a moment to hold the object in your hands, reminisce about the memories it holds, and acknowledge the feelings it evokes. how would you feel if it broke or got lost? this process helps you understand why the item is meaningful to you. gratitude and closure: thank the sentimental item for the joy and memories it brought into your life. acknowledge that its purpose has been fulfilled, and it's now time to let it go and pass it on to someone else who may find joy in it. once you have identified the items that truly bring you joy, you must decide how they will exist in your life in a way that honors the memories they evoke and supports your current lifestyle. use it. “i want you to have this precious china dinnerware so that it can sit on your highest kitchen shelf, forgotten, gathering dust and never get used.” said no one ever. items were made to be used. too often we save things for a special occasion. as thomas monson said “every day of your life is a special occasion.” one of my favorite mementos from my grandmother is an old ceramic mixing bowl. i use it for popcorn. she loved popcorn, and everytime i use the bowl, i think of her fondly. i have a hand knit wool sweater that my grandfather got on a visit to ireland. he was a hibernophile (a person who is fond of irish culture, irish language and ireland in general). it is old and fragile, but the perfect way to cozy up on a chilly minnesota winter night. it’s possible that i will spill on it or snag it when i wear it, however keeping it in a drawer only limits the opportunities to remember him. perhaps the dinnerware isn’t your style, or the antique sweater doesn’t fit. there are no rules about how a sentimental item can be used. an antique candy jar can hold spare change, or hair ties. your aunt's picnic basket can display books or magazines. i recently had a client with a collection of her grandfather's neckties which she was going to have made into a teddy bear for her son. a friend of mine had her grandmother's jewelry disassembled and turned into earrings that were more her style. pinterest is full of ideas and etsy is a magnificent resource for finding artisans and craftspeople who can recreate and repurpose your keepsakes. display it. some items cannot practically be used. you can still honor your memories and traditions by displaying your keepsakes throughout your home. frame a recipe card, handkerchief, or newspaper clipping. create a shadow box with seashells and driftwood twigs. fill a mason jar with ticket stubs from your favorite concerts. i love to turn small objects into christmas tree ornaments. it ensures at least once a year i will have an opportunity to relish in the memory that items holds. for more ideas to display mementos, follow me on pinterest @juniperorganizing. store it. i will not pretend for a moment that i do not have keepsakes tucked away in a bin in my basement or closet. my wedding dress, for example, holds extreme sentimental value, but i cannot practically use it (or fit in it, sadly) and i am not ready to disassemble it and turn it into decor. so it hangs in my guest room closet, waiting. sometimes it’s unavoidable and we store our memories. that’s ok. if it continues to bring you joy, you should keep it. and don’t ever let a professional organizer tell you otherwise. but if it’s important enough to keep, it is important enough to keep organized! back to my childhood memory box: included was a shoebox of photos. we are lucky to live in a digital age that timestamps photos and makes them easier to organize. but my photo box from the 1990s early 2000s was a hodgepodge of highschool photos, family vacations, and baby pictures, making it frustrating and confusing to sift through each one. if you choose to keep originals of your childrens’ projects and artwork, store them in a file box with the date. if you have a box from your own childhood, note the contents on the outside of the box so it doesn’t get forgotten nothing in your home is static. make a point to open the box once in a while and sift through the content. relish in the memories that you still hold dear, and be honest with yourself if there are items that no longer serve you, and you’re ready to let go. celebrate the present! sentimental keepsakes can be a rabbit hole of emotion for many of us. it can feel overwhelming to face a lifetime of memories and reminders of the past. remember that the goal of decluttering sentimental items is not to erase the past but to make space for the present and future. by letting go of excess sentimental clutter, you can focus on the moments happening in the here and now. if you’re not ready to start this alone, i am here for you. contact me today to start making room for the moments that matter. as the leaves start to change and the crisp air of fall sets in, it's the perfect time to give your home a refreshing once over. these six simple yet impactful tasks will help you get ahead in your home tasks and set the tone for the upcoming season. believe me, i hate mess! i respect your privacy and will not clutter your inbox. thank you! check your email to confirm your subscription and download your autumn to do list. minneapolis, mn; st. paul, mn; afton, mn; bayport, mn; cottage grove, mn; forest lake, mn; inver grove heights, mn; lake elmo, mn; lino lakes, mn; mahtomedi, mn; maplewood, mn; oak park heights, mn; oakdale, mn; scandia, mn; stillwater, mn; sunfish lake, mn; white bear lake, mn; woodbury, mn juniper organizing is an elite professional organizer in the lake elmo, mn professional organizers directory on findmyorganizer.com © 2024 juniper organizing llc

in the delicate moments of hospice care, patients often find deep meaning in personally passing down their most treasured possessions. these exchanges are more than simple gift giving they're profound connections that allow loved ones to share stories, context, and emotional significance behind cherished objects. whether it's a faded photograph, a well worn piece of clothing, or a beloved book, each item carries a piece of someone's life story. keepsakes serve as tangible memories, bridging the gap between past and present. they can include photographs, artwork, clothing, locks of hair, books, and holiday ornaments each item holding a unique narrative waiting to be preserved and remembered. the act of receiving and carefully maintaining these objects is a powerful way to honor a loved one's memory and keep their spirit alive. while digital photography dominates today's landscape, many hospice patients still treasure printed photographs. these physical memories require careful preservation to prevent fading, sticking, or damage. invest in an archival quality album and transfer photos as quickly as possible to ensure their longevity. documentation is crucial when preserving photographs. lightly writing details on the back of the photo or creating a companion note can help future generations understand the context. include information like: names of people in the photograph location where the photo was taken date or special occasion any interesting story behind the image for those who prefer a more creative approach, consider creating a scrapbook that provides additional context and personal narrative around each photograph. clothing items offer a uniquely personal way to remember a loved one. some meaningful preservation strategies include: displaying meaningful pieces can create a powerful memorial. hang a special outfit on the back of a chair, from a door, or on a coat tree in a hallway. if the clothing is fragile or damaged, consider saving specific elements like buttons, patches, or unique fabric sections. proper storage is essential. use acid free storage bags to protect garments from dust, moisture, and potential deterioration. this approach ensures that these precious items remain intact for years to come. though it might seem old fashioned, preserving a lock of hair remains a deeply personal way to remember someone. these delicate strands carry the essence of a person their texture, color, and subtle uniqueness. storing them becomes an art form, with options ranging from decorative frames to small glass jars, each providing a reverent space to keep this intimate memento. holiday ornaments are more than mere decorations they are vessels of family history. each ornament carries stories waiting to be told, memories waiting to be shared. take the time to gather the detailed background of each piece, writing down the stories that make them special. display them creatively, perhaps on a holiday tree or arranged like precious jewels, ensuring that each ornament tells its unique story. a personal library offers profound insights into an individual's inner world. books are more than printed pages they are maps of a person's thoughts, interests, and emotional landscape. pay attention to the subtle marks of personal engagement: notes scribbled in margins, dog eared pages marking favorite passages, bookmarks tucked between chapters. engage with these books meaningfully. ask your loved one about their favorite parts, spend time reading together, and have them write their name inside the cover. these actions transform a simple book into a living connection, a bridge between your shared moments and future memories. consider purchasing a special keepsake box that becomes more than simple storage a memory sanctuary where treasured items can rest together. this box becomes a sacred space, a collection of memories to be brought out during significant moments like birthdays, holidays, or quiet family gatherings. preserving keepsakes is an act of love that transcends time. each carefully maintained item tells a story, keeps a memory alive, and connects generations. these objects are more than mere possessions they are bridges between past and present, allowing the essence of a loved one to continue touching lives long after they've gone. every preserved photograph, every carefully stored piece of clothing, every marked book becomes a testament to love, memory, and the enduring human connection that survives beyond physical presence.

after returning from my trip to japan, i faced a variety of questions. from the generic “so, how was it?” (expecting me to launch into a monologue) and “is japan really that great?” to more specific ones about places or experiences like travelling solo. the best question, however, was, “what kind of souvenirs did you bring back?” souvenirs are wonderful even the cliché ones like fridge magnets or keychains as long as there’s a story behind them. it could be about where you found it or the interaction with the vendor. gifts from abroad are special too. i remember my dad bringing back a white bear from scotland with a scarf and hat in tartan. i gave it the very original name, scottie, and it became my companion throughout childhood. i love buying souvenirs and gifts for others. sometimes it’s challenging to find something; other times, it’s easy. japan was definitely on the easier side! i have so many great souvenirs. in this post, i’ll highlight just three. i’ve become so enthusiastic about the topic that i’m planning another post dedicated to it! feel free to share this post! share mongolia was part of my journey on the trans mongolian railway from moscow to beijing. we spent over two weeks in this immense and stunning country, exploring ulaanbaatar, terelj national park, kharkhorin, and the gobi desert. the gobi isn’t a desert like the sahara. it’s more than just a basin of sand. it’s a mix of pebbles, dry grass, rocks, pikas, and surprises like the khongoryn els sand dunes, yolyn am ice canyon, and the white mountain (we never learned its real name, as our guide didn’t tell us). at times, there’s simply nothing but that’s the point. the emptiness, silence, and constant icy wind are its essence. among all the souvenirs i bought in mongolia (even a genghis khan wallet), the camel socks stand out as my favourite. warm, soft, and durable, they’ve been perfect for dutch winters i still wear them regularly. we also bought up a pair for our friends in beijing, and they loved them too. the family we are staying with is moving between ger camps, shifting from their summer spot to their winter spot. choosing the location seems rather arbitrary it’s in the middle of the desert anyway and could just as easily be 100 metres away. we sleep at their winter spot but join them for meals in their last ger at the summer location. their camels were there too, including six month old calves. they only slaughter one camel a year. at the family’s place, we drink tea with camel milk, and i finally try dried camel meat. my first time in marrakesh was a visit to remember. it was january, and back in the netherlands, it was the classic grey and watery cold. as soon as we stepped off the plane, we felt the warmer moroccan temperature. life was happening outside again. it seemed as though everyone had gathered at djemaa el fna to buy or sell something. the square is a world of its own busy and bustling, with people, sounds, and scents everywhere. and nothing beats freshly squeezed orange juice straight from its source. because everything felt so different and oriental, especially in the medina, we decided to buy a traditional tea set, complete with a platter and glasses. the sellers clearly know it’s a popular souvenir, so they pull out all the stops. we found an enthusiastic and funny vendor who was eager to sell us his high quality goods. he showed us a teapot, exclaiming, “it has five stars on the bottom, so it is good!” then, to prove its sturdiness, he repeatedly clapped the lid onto the pot. “look, look, very solid!” he shouted. we were sold by his performance but knew we had to bargain first. haggling is like a game, and you just have to play along with a smile. marrakesh is an excellent base for exploring morocco; you can head towards the atlas mountains, the coast, or the north. train travel in morocco is scenic and covers many directions. you can find more information here and purchase tickets directly at oncf. there are also plenty of buses, such as those operated by supratours and ctm. from morocco, it’s also possible to travel overland to europe. ferries run from tanger to spain (it’s only a one hour trip!). frs boats depart directly from the city. a free frs bus takes you from tarifa to algeciras, where you can connect to the renfe train network. in almost every country, you can find paintings or prints for sale, but many are rather corny. i often wonder how they end up on a wall somewhere and which wall, exactly. while travelling in senegal, one of our last stops was saint louis in the north. the old centre, located on an island, is full of colonial buildings. some are beautifully preserved, while others are weathered and peeling, giving the area a unique charm. the streets take on a special glow in the evening light. in one of the streets, we came across a small art shop selling graphic prints themed around senegal. a print of dakar's corniche caught our eye with its warm colours and minimalist design. it now has a prominent place in our living room. at markets in senegal, we picked up more quirky items: a bright plastic water pitcher (which confused the seller), gifts made from recycled bottle caps and cans, and other colourful pieces typical of west africa. saint louis is a stop on the popular west african overland route for travellers driving from morocco in polished jeeps or motorhomes. we travelled with sept places in senegal, mostly battered old peugeots with seven seats (two back seats and one seat in the front). these vehicles depart only when fully loaded, including additional cargo on the roof. at one gare routière, we witnessed a goat casually tied on top of a sept place before it set off. don’t buy souvenirs at the airport, even if you want to get rid of leftover currency. it’s better spent on food or drinks, or given to a cleaner you meet. the best places for original and affordable souvenirs and gifts are: markets (especially those frequented by locals), homeware shops (tableware, cutlery, kitchen utensils), book and stationery shops, and supermarkets (herbs, spice mixes, chopsticks, candy). flea markets are also great for unique finds! don’t focus too much on flashy items. i recently forgot to buy my buddy a gift in japan (she’s an older lady who enjoys small presents), so i made her a few cranes with origami paper i brought back from the trip. it was a small gesture, but much appreciated. similarly, i used spice mixes from morocco, divided them into small jars, and gave them to friends who enjoy cooking. sometimes you stumble across something perfect for yourself or someone else. these spontaneous finds, often make the best souvenirs. like the camel socks. movies make me want to travel even more. every year, i attend the international film festival rotterdam (iffr). next year, it will run from the 30th of january until the 9th of february. it showcases films from all over the world. a great film from senegal is atlantique. from morocco, i recommend adam and the blue caftan. another souvenir i bought in mongolia is a knucklebone game called shagai, made from goat or sheep ankle bones. saint louis hosts a jazz festival annually, and dakar has the dak’art biennale. the 2025 dates are not yet known. i like this article in the new york times about collecting small keepsakes to help keep the places you love alive. did you also end up buying a teapot in morocco? find the recipe for traditional mint tea on this website. mongolia is famous for throat singing check out this playlist. i’d love to hear from you! what are your precious souvenirs? what kinds of gifts have you bought on your travels? let me know in the comments! leave a comment no posts ready for more?

something went wrong during the process, please refresh and try again. alternatively, give us a call so we can help you with your travel enquiry. want to talk travel? share your ideas and initial plans below, and let’s start planning your next trip. we’ll get one of our travel specialists with firsthand knowledge on tap to get in touch soon. if we miss you, no worries we’ll keep the conversation going by email. can’t wait? give us a call on 01737 214 250. * required fields contact details would you be interested in a video call?(no software download needed) would you like to book an appointment to visit us in person? travel plans when would you like to go? sign up for handpicked travel inspiration and expert advice, sent to you every week by email from our travel specialists. please read our privacy policy. this site is protected by recaptcha and the google privacy policy and terms of service apply. did you know? our team are destination specialists with many years experience in creating holidays and can tailor make to suit you. call us on to discuss your plans or email something went wrong during the process, please refresh and try again. be the first to know. simply sign up below to receive our newsletter with offers, exclusive event invites & travel inspiration. * required fields please read our privacy policy. this site is protected by recaptcha and the google privacy policy and terms of service apply. did you know? our team are destination specialists with many years experience in creating holidays and can tailor make to suit you. call us on to discuss your plans or email personalised for you experts with first hand destination experience. pioneers of travel connecting you with new and original experiences. 24/7 trip support 24/7 support ready should you need it trusted outstanding review and atol and abta financial protection. it’s beautiful to preserve your travel memories and have a physical highlights reel to reminisce over in times like this; from photo albums to memory boxes, scrap booking and souvenir collecting, there are many creative ways to immortalise your trip of a lifetime. travel memories are such a sweet thing. we were inspired to create a list of different ways to remember a trip by one of our clients, julia madelin, who has been to iceland 13 times over the years and creates beautiful oil paintings to bring her travel memories to life. if you want to do something different with your travel paraphernalia and need inspiration, read our suggestions to kick start your creativity. along with taking photos, buy postcards. you can find them everywhere you go, and they are inexpensive. a postcard is a visual reminder of the places you’ve been, and are a great way to capture memories on the go. you can send them to friends and family whilst you are away, or save them up for when you are home to incorporate into a travel photo book or us for scrap booking. don’t forget to send yourself one whilst you are away, it will give you something to look forward to when you are back home. writing down your experiences and stories is an exceptional way of keeping memories alive. they are great to pick up and reminisce about your adventures, as well as being fabulous dinner party fodder when you need to entertain. travel journals also make a great gift for your children, grandchildren or friends if you would like to share your stories with them and look back at how destinations have changed. a memory box can be any shape or size, that you can put on display or just have in a drawer! within each box, you can put different memories in from specific trips or countries. you can fill them with trinkets, tickets, left over money, pictures   whatever you like! include holiday phrases or anecdotes, so when you go through the box later you can remember some of the sillier conversations. a simple way to look back at your travels is to pick a souvenir you love and try to find it everywhere you go. it could be postcards, magnets, cuddly toys, a recipe book from every country. you will build up a wonderful collection of trinkets during your lifetime of travel. the memory also comes from the joy of trying to find (and remembering to buy) the souvenir on every trip. there are so many ways to print out photos, choose and collate the ones that show highlights of your trip, especially the moments you got to experience only once in your life. mark your travel memories on a map! make a diy travel pin map and post it on a bare wall in your room. whenever you visit a country or city, put a pushpin on its particular place on the map and insert information like the dates and duration of your travel. alternatively, get a scratch map that allows you to “peel off” the countries you’ve visited. it’s a great way to see how much of the world you’ve covered (and what is still left to discover). you can make playlists just about anywhere from spotify to youtube. the music you’ve heard on a trip can evoke a completely different set of memories. make notes of the music you’ve heard as you’ve travelled and compile your travel soundtrack when you come home. bring all your travel memories together in one place; photos, postcards, trinkets, bus tokens, menus and maps. it’s such a creative way to bring your adventures to life. half the fun is designing the scrapbook itself! this is one of our favourites. create a list of all the things you think are memorable on your trip. write it down in a notebook or save a note in your phone and read them again on your journey home. turn your photos into art. draw, paint, create a masterpiece! take some time out of you day to bring your memories to life with watercolours, coloured pencils or acrylic paint. you don’t even have to start from scratch, you could print out a photo and paint over it. a perfect piece of custom art that you can frame for all to see. with these unique ways to immortalise your travels, you can be sure that your memories are well documented and will definitely last a lifetime. if you have other ideas on preserving travel memories, share them in the comments below. we would like to ask our discover the world community; our staff, our clients and our partners to share their favourite travel tales for us all to enjoy. whether it is a photo, a comment, a story, video or voice message, we’d love to hear from you. please submit your memories via email, commenting on the blog post below or messaging us on facebook or instagram. we would like to feature these travel tales on our email, social and blog channels over the coming weeks to encourage us all to appreciate and remember the amazing things we’ve experienced. discover costa rica’s best bits, from the flooded canals of tortuguero to the osa peninsula, one of the most biodiverse spots on the planet. from £3270 excluding flights 13 nights jan sep & nov dec this compact self drive itinerary focuses on two of canada’s most beautiful areas. from £1076 excluding flights 7 nights may oct this family friendly fly drive adventure gives you the freedom to see iceland's wonders your way. from £1347 excluding flights 7 nights year round discover the raw beauty of the unesco world heritage listed australian and new zealand sub antarctic islands on this epic adventure! from £7995 excluding flights 11 14 nights jan & nov dec this two week itinerary is one of the best rail holidays in the world linking four iconic train journeys with plenty of time exploring switzerland's medieval towns and cities. from £2935 excluding flights 14 nights apr oct you set the pace and we’ll help you find the right: we believe that all students should benefit from educational travel, whatever their background. that’s why a percentage of revenue from your holiday, goes into our education bursary fund. newsletter would you like to opt in to receive insider tips, offers & holiday advice? something went wrong during the process, please refresh and try again. please read our privacy policy. this site is protected by recaptcha and the google privacy policy and terms of service apply. did you know? @ discover the world 2024 2nd floor, one dorking office park, station road, dorking, surrey, rh4 1hj registered in england and wales no. 02295449 website by pixel pixel

the hardest part of having a pet is when you have to say goodbye. as much as i would like to, we can’t stop time. as a veterinarian, i have to deal with this on a daily basis. because i am regularly asked if i have ideas or know people who can make something beautiful as a memory of a beloved buddy, i want to share the options in this blog with you. i hope they give you support when you need it. one of the most beautiful ways to remember your beloved pet is to create a photo book or collage. collect your favorite photos from the special moments you’ve shared together. you can supplement this booklet with small stories or anecdotes that remind you of them. this personal collection can provide you with comfort and make you smile, even on difficult days. a memorial candle can be a beautiful symbol of their light and love. you can light the candle on special occasions, such as their birthday or the day they died. every time you light the candle, you can take a moment to reflect on the beautiful memories you have shared together. planting a tree or a beautiful plant in memory of your pet can be a lasting and growing tribute. every time you take care of the tree or plant, you can think back to the joy your pet brought into your life. a living monument in your garden or a potted plant inside can help you keep the memories alive. you can also grow the plant on your pet’s ashes. there are all kinds of possibilities to make a paw or nose print of your buddy to keep. you can make a print with stamping ink or in clay for example. it’s also possible to print a picture of a paw print on glass or other materials. adding a name and a date for example can make it a beautiful keepsake. a journal in which you write down your feelings and memories can be a therapeutic way to process your loss. you can capture stories, funny moments, and even dreams that feature your pet. this journal can be a valuable source of comfort and help you nurture the bond you had. a piece of memorial jewelry, such as a necklace or bracelet, can be a beautiful way to keep your pet close to your heart. many jewelry makers offer the option of storing a small amount of ashes or a strand of hair in a locket. there are also possibilities to incorporate a photo into a piece of jewelry. this way you always carry a piece of your faithful friend with you. have a piece of art made of your pet, such as a painting, drawing, or digital illustration. many artists offer the opportunity to create a portrait based on photographs. a beautiful piece of art of your dog or cat can be given pride of place in your home and be a visual reminder of their love and loyalty. keeping the ashes in a special/beautiful urn can be a nice way to remember your buddy. many pet crematoriums have a selection of urns for you to choose from. the 50 50 shop (https://www.5050shopsdb.nl) makes special urns from recycled materials. sandra and noesja make stone urns for pets (www.stenenurnenvoorhuisdieren.nl). https://huisdier urnen.nl make all kinds of special urns for pets. you can have a text put on a glass figurine, a miniature of your pet made, etc. there are companies that turn a photo into a cuddly toy of your buddy, such as https://cuddleclones.com. https://www.minipiece.nl creates miniatures of pets from a photo. marjolein van @miss_you_to_the_moon makes several beautiful items to remember pets. it can help to read books about losing a pet. stories from others can provide comfort, recognition, and support. books on losing a pet: i hope this helps for people who need this. don’t forget to share your grief with others and to seek support. sharing memories can help to process the grief and to keep the memories alive. it can also help to talk to others who have been through the same thing. do you know any other ways to remember a beloved pet? let me know and i’ll add it to the options! your pet’s health and happiness matter to me as much as they matter to you. with over 20 years of experience in integrative care, i combine modern science with additional therapies like acupuncture and nutritional therapy to provide solutions that truly work. 🐾 helping pets heal, thrive & live longer with custom fresh food, acupuncture & holistic care. 🥗 recipes, guides and more👇 websites for animal professionals from digitale pootjes

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supported by letter of recommendation collecting these small keepsakes can help keep the places you love alive. by britta lokting when the legendary jazz standard club closed, in late 2020, i mourned the loss of yet another new york cultural institution. my favorite spots were shutting down one after another, sinking me and the city further into a collective depression. i texted the news to my parents; it was there, when my parents were in town, that they introduced me to the mingus big band and to the music of joni mitchell, whose songs i fell in love with after we saw a cover singer perform. i never considered that something might kill a venue that had been so central to my youth. there is one place, though, where the standard lives on: my matchbook collection . on the front there’s a burnt orange, rothko style square lurking behind the words “jazz standard.” on the back you’ll find a graphic of a trumpet, right above the club’s address and phone number. i couldn’t recall ever picking up this matchbook, but i imagine a handful might have been displayed by the entrance or on the low tables downstairs. either way, here was proof that the club once existed. i couldn’t resurrect the jazz standard, which originally opened in 1997, but at least i had this modest memorial to its life. since my early 20s, i’ve been amassing a collection of matchbooks from places i’ve gone, many of them now shuttered as casualties of the pandemic   a restaurant in my hometown of portland, ore., where i went for wood fired pizza; the bar where i debriefed with friends and family after seeing movies; my old co working space. i became a matchbook collector, or phillumenist, when i first moved to new york city from portland 11 years ago. i briefly lived at home after college and felt stuck; new york was an opportunity to begin a new life separate from my parents. i never intended to stay for more than a couple of years: the city was fun but also chaotic, tiring and unsustainable. it was with this mind set that a former boyfriend and i spent our first year eating and drinking our way through manhattan as a way to explore everything the city had to offer. i pocketed matchbooks from every establishment that had them, gathering analog keepsakes of my early adult life. eventually, i fell in love with new york and decided to stay   but discovered that the city is protean, sometimes painfully so. frequently, i would return after a week away to find new scaffolding erected, a dress shop vacated or a diner emptied.