Getting My Sh** Together in the New Year

Today on weekend meanderings, I’m getting my sh** together – ahem, house in order – in the New Year. From decluttering to organizing to routine home maintenance. This is exciting stuff, friends. Let’s get the New Year off to a great start.

Happy Saturday, friends!

It’s time for the weekend post with Kim and Elizabeth. Our weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on.

Happy New Year!

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Happy New Year tiara.

We rang in the New Year with Kyle and Melody at her parents home. They hosted a fabulous party.

New Year’s Eve Outfit ~ I wore a new leopard print pull-on skirt (inspired by Mary Ann of Classic Casual Home). And paired it with a cotton cashmere tee (I love everything about this tee and ordered another in heather grey), my years old Stuart Weitzman boots (current version here) and Vince leather jacket (updated version here). Oh, and I’m getting a lot of wear from my Gas Bijoux pendant necklace … I see that many of you bought this piece too and I hope you love it as much as I do.

The first week – or two – of the New Year are the best. A fresh start, a clean slate … and for one or two brief, shining moments everything feels under control. Of course, things tend to unravel quickly from here but as I write today’s dispatch order has been restored and I’m feeling organized, motivated and hopeful for what 2025 has in store.

And with that said, here are a few random, mostly unexciting, things I’ve accomplished so far to get my house in order and New Year off on the right foot.

 

Routine Home Maintenance, Clean Up & Organization

I know. Yawn. But this stuff has to get done and it feels really good to check it off the list. Here are some of the tasks I’ve (we’ve) accomplished so far this year.

  • Changed the HVAC filters.
  • Had the dryer vent cleaned out (clogged dryer vents are a leading cause of house fires and it’s recommended they be cleaned every two years). We called COIT to do the service and they were terrific.

  • Generator annual service.
  • Deep cleaned kitchen sink drain with vinegar, baking soda, and boiling water.
  • Replaced mismatched food storage containers with this set of glass containers. I tossed our old containers out six months ago. Why is it so easy to make frivolous purchases but so hard to make practical ones?

William Sonoma Glass Food Storage Containers.

Food Storage Containers

  • Packed up my mom’s China and delivered it to niece Sophie. This was a tough one. I’ve held onto the china for 26 years and knew I needed to pass it on before we move to our next house where I won’t have the luxury of extra space to store it. In addition to being emotionally attached to it, none of my three nieces (my mom’s granddaughters) felt ready to take on the China. Middle niece Sophie had a change of heart and I packed up the car and delivered it to her. It would make my mom so happy to know it’s with one of the girls now. I keep the China (and Christmas dishes) in these quilted bags (this one for cups) and they made it easy to transport. A serious move would required proper dish packing, I ordered these storage boxes for the platters. I also ordered an extra set of felt plate dividers.

China Storage Cases

 

  • Cleaned out my closet (yep, again … Jim’s working on his too) and filled two of my three Trashie bags (I shared about Trashie, a clothing recycling service, back in November after hearing about it on a podcast). I just ordered their tech take back bag and we filled a box full of old cords, phones and other tech paraphernalia that’s been cluttering our office drawers.
  • Ordered a Nokbox (NOK = next of kin) to help me organize our important documents in one place. This is something I’ve been meaning to do for years so when the algorithm fed me the Nokbox system I didn’t hesitate to jump on board. After receiving my box I begin to receive a series of emails with helpful tips about pulling together each section of the box. I’ll let you know how it goes.Looks like they’re currentlyoffering 20% off all Nokbox kits with code PROSPER20 (not sponsored). In addition to the Original Box I bought an extra documents bag and password book.

Nokbox

Erin Condren Planner.

Erin Condren Softbound LifePlanner

  • Audited our streaming service subscriptions and cancelled, cancelled, cancelled. Same goes for magazine and newspaper subscriptions … paper and online. For magazines I want to continue, I cancelled the auto-renew which is a sneaky trick magazines have introduced to keep the party going forever (or until you notice).
  • Ordered a new pair of Hoka Clifton 9’s … it’s ideal to replace walking/running/exercise shoes every six months. I was overdue. I’ve extolled the virtues of Hoka’s so I won’t go into that again. Suffice to say I’m a huge fan. They come in many styles (depending on what you’re wearing them for) and colors but I’m boring and stick to basic black and white.
  • Our new garden’s roses came under attack this week. Not by deer, but something lower to ground. Jim sprange into action and headed to Ace Hardware and spent two evenings building protective cages. The battle continues …

Garden rose cages.

 

Birkenstock Chelsea Boot

In my last post of the year I mentioned that I asked Santa for a pair of Birkenstock Highwood Chelsea boots. And he delivered!

Birkenstock Highwood Chelsea boot.

You’ve got to hand it to Birkenstock, the boots fit beautifully, and are so comfortable (cheers to arch support … I know, I’m old). I’ve worn them a ton and no heel blisters (a big issue for me with other Chelsea style boots). I love the pretty cork layer detail above the sole. I just love them all around.

Birkenstock Highwood Chelsea Boot

The Cooks Atelier

Somewhere on the inter-webs I saw someone (wish I could remember who) making lemon soufflés using a recipe from The Cooks Atelier. After doing a deep dive into the Instagram account and website of mother daughter team, American ex-pats Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini, I was thoroughly enchanted enough to shell out for their book, The Cooks Atelier: Recipes, Techniques, and Stories from our French Cooking School, and get my hands on the lemon soufflé recipe.

Cookbooks and lamp on kitchen counter.

The Cooks Atelier

(Don’t worry, Jim has the loose cord on his to do list.)

The book arrived with a thud on my doorstep … literally. It’s a huge book and must weight 10 lbs. I spent many happy holiday leisure hours on the sofa pouring over each page and absorbing their charming French country lifestyle.

Page from The Cook's Atelier, lemon soufflé in copper pan.

The book’s photography is gorgeous, made even better by the large page format. I was so inspired by the interior of their cooking school that I saved a few photos as inspiration for our Little House on 4th’s dining room built-ins. White dishes and serving pieces plus copper pots, pans and molds … beautiful. I’ve held onto my grandmother’s silver and plan to use it in the new house for everyday. I may even keep it out in large glass jars or crockery to save drawer space.

But back to those lemon soufflés. I’ve never made a soufflé … it’s time. I love the way The Cook’s Atelier presents them in small copper pots. But for my first try I might stick with lowly ramekins. Stay tuned.

 

Their new book, French at Heart: Recipes that Bring France Home, will be released April.

 

Shrinking

Have you seen Shrinking on Apple TV?! Probably you have because I’m late – very late – to the party. I’d heard this series mentioned – in glowing terms – again and again. We finally started watching over the holidays … seasons one and two. Wow, it’s so good and a nice palette cleaner from the dark, British police and spy series we’ve been watching. It’s is a dramedy starring Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, and Jessica Williams as psychologists in practice together. The main story line is pretty heavy, but mined for comic gold. If by some chance you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend.

 

Current Favorites ~

 

Divider graphic.

And that’s what I have for you this week.

Blog post product collage.

 

Leopard Print Skirt | The Cooks Atelier | Chelsea Boot | Dish Storage

 

Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE

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  • I have two of those slip skirts now and just change up the sweaters! I need to schedule the washer/dryer cleaning service. And everything else you’ve done. Feeling like the slacker that I am, you have motivated me!!

    Sending love,
    Mary Ann

    • Happy New Year, Mary Ann … I might have to order a second skirt. They’re so versatile and comfortable … thanks for the inspiration! xo

  • As I was reading about all of the work you had put into your home I was thinking, oh I hope they weren’t affected by the fires! Very glad to read at the end that both your homes are safe. I need to go back and reread your post now so I can enjoy it! It is incredibly impressive that you have accomplished so much recently. Nothing like moving to get us motivated. We went through that 2 years ago after leaving the family home of 32 years and downsizing by 5 rooms. So much work. Good luck on your continued moving prep and may you and your extended family stay safe!

    • Happy New Year, Kelly! Moving is always a good motivation to get things in order. I’m actually trying not to think about moving so when we do get to that point it will probably be an unorganized disaster. Stay tuned! Thanks for your well wishes, we are fortunate to be in Northern California and far from the horror our Southern neighbors are enduring. It’s heartbreaking and I pray the fires are under control very soon. xo

  • I missed a post on the new home?!
    We loved the first season of shrinking and have not started season 2. Love the birkenstock slipper option!

  • What a great post; That NOK box looks like it would be so helpful – for everyone! I also like the idea of the Trashie bags – I am in Canada so I will investigate whether their service is here, or if there is something comparable. Have I missed something, though? Are you moving???

    • Happy New Year, Brenda! I’m not sure about Trashie’s Canada … if they’re not there yet they probably will be soon. And, yes, the Nokbox is for everyone, I was thrilled to find it. We are going to be moving this year (probably). Last year we bought a little house downtown (very small with an unsound foundation so it will need to be rebuilt). More to come on that soon. xo

  • Love everything about this post. Added dryer vent clean out to my task list. Have also done the same cleaning (all of kitchen drawers and pantry) at the beginning of the year. It feels so good. Unfortunately because I have storage space added china (gifted by a girl friend) so everything is not being downsized.
    Curious about the generator servicing. What is done and why?

    And love, love, love Shrinking. Thanks for this post, welcome back and Happy New Year!

    • Happy New Year, Leila! I’m embarrassed to say I’ve known the dryer vent needs cleaned but waited until our dryer stopped working efficiently before making the call. I received a good (natured) lecture from our very nice COIT serviceman and I won’t make that mistake again. As for the generator, I didn’t know it needed to be serviced until about a year after installation. The lights on the side starts to turn from green to red letting us know. We found My Generator Guy – who services Generac products – and have him out annually. I guess he changes the oil, and this year we needed a new battery. How lovely to have the space to take on a beautiful new set of china … I’m going to miss my mom’s china but I’m so happy it’s with the girls. xo

  • Enjoyed your post, as always, and purchased a cookbook…which I need like another hole in my head, but could not resist! 🙂

    • Happy New Year, Jean! You make me laugh … and that’s exactly how I feel each time I order a new cookbook. I think you’ll love it though! xo

  • Hi Juliet!
    You are SO inspiring with how much you accomplish. I realize that you have an upcoming move and that will light a fire under most people, but even so, you seem particularly gifted in getting things done! I would love a post on your daily routines, inspiration, books you’ve read, people you follow…whatever the secret sauce is. (Atomic Habits, anyone?)
    I used to be so organized and motivated but now it seems the digital clutter/inbox/photos to clean out takes the attention and energy I had for other things before.
    For instance, I would like to hear how you (and your readers) stay on top of your inbox. All day long? Batching?
    Thank you, and Happy 2025!
    Cyndi

    • Happy New Year, Cyndi! And thanks for your comment full of ideas for future content. I often think I have nothing to share because the stuff I’m doing is so boring. But other peoples routines fascinate me so maybe the mundane is just right. I love the Atomic Habits book and revisit it at the beginning of each year, along with Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. I totally relate to you thought, I don’t feel nearly as organized as I used to be when I had a full-time job outside of home and got so much more done. As for my email box, I try to clear it everyday and constantly unsubscribe from brand emails. It’s a frustrating, ongoing process and I’d love to workout a better system. xo

  • It goes without saying, Juliet: all of us, with or without ties to SoCal, feel the devastation and immensity of destruction there. People, animals, property — truly heartbreaking.

    I think you’ve been doing a lot better than average at getting your sh*t together: wow. Of course, we were down and out for 7+ days with HMPV, a heavy-duty pulmonary thing that we caught during a few days’ Pre-NY’s romp to Boston. HAPPY 2025!

    • Happy New Year, Joan! So sorry to hear you’ve been under the weather. Jim caught a cold just before Christmas and is still trying to shake the cough. I’m glued to the fire coverage and horrified by what’s happening. Praying that they’re contained soon. It’s just dreadful. xo

  • We feel the heartbreak from the loss of family, homes and pets ! So glad you are safe!
    Thank you for sharing your updates.
    I need to clean out my closet or stop shopping! We all know that is not going to happen.
    We have been in the Arctic Blast here in DFW. Temps have been in the 20’s for several days. Fortunately the sun is out and will be warmer today.
    Your posts are uplifting. I needed some positive thoughts.
    Thank you for that!

    • Happy New Year, Marcia! I hear you about the shopping … I’m better on the clean out side of things. You certainly are having a cold blast. My Texas niece’s social media is full of frolicking in the snow. I hope you’re keeping warm and the temps get back to normal sooner rather than later … or you may have to take up skiing. xo

  • Hi Juliet! Welcome back! You have now made me feel like a total slacker… You have gotten so much done! Good for you! Love your NYE outfit and new boots! I wrote today about my favorite boots — Blundstones. But maybe those are more Maine than Cali, ha! You have me beat on Shrinking. I will definitely add it to my list now! Have a lovely week!

    • Happy New Year, Molly! Blundstone’s is new to me and I’m going to google it now. Queue up Shrinking stat … you’re going to love it! xo

  • You have got so much done. I am envious. I am afraid Graham and I need to up our game. We have done a little but more to do..

    • Happy New Year, Hilda! Jim and I had a very quiet holiday so we had tons of time to get stuff done. He’s out building cages for the rest of our roses now. The critters are laughing at him from the bushes, I just now it! xo

  • My friends and I were on a food and wine tour through Bordeaux and Burgundy region of France. We actually visited the Cook’s Atelier in Beaune while there! Neat shop!

    • Happy New Year, Nanci! I’m so excited to hear you visited The Cook Atelier. Did you take a cooking class? It looks wonderful and I guess I should book a trip to France. Right?! xo

      • Happy New Year!
        No we didn’t have time but wished we could! We did some shopping in their store. Yes, that town/village is lovely. And we stayed at the neatest place that was an inn but so French!! You should go.

  • Hi Juliet and happy new year to you and Jim.

    I was just telling Bill that even though I am very organized I want a box or binder for EVERYTHING in one place. I will do some shopping for what you bought.

    What the heck is after the roses?
    Take care.

  • Good morning Juliet! Welcome back!

    It looks like you had a wonderful New Years celebration! Love the skirt!

    I hope that you found time to relax this holiday season. Whew I am tired from all of your 2025 to-do lists! You accomplished a ton.

    I have to NOK Box too! Instagram got me too and spurred me to start getting that stuff together. It is a lot of information!
    You are so right about the dryer! It is very important to have that cleaned out. And to regulary change your filters.

    I am in the process of deleting and canceling all sorts of emails and subscriptions. I HATE when magazines and subscription services uncharge you, that is one of the reasons I stopped buying/subscribing to paper magazines. Such a scam.
    I want to clean out my computes of files and my emails, a daunting task but one little bit a day and I will be done by the end of the year. LOL.

    The California fires are behind comprehension. So many displaced people, families, animals…and no end in sight. There are no words.

    How nice that Sophie took your mom’s china! It’s nice to pass these things on. Perhaps you will be invited to family diner and it will be served on the china.

    The Cooks Atelier is one of my favorite cookbooks, I love all of the stories about the people and places they buy their products from. I cannot wait for the new cookbook! You can take a day class or a week of classes. I believe Mary Ann and Howard did the day class and we have friends that spent a week there and loved it.

    I am sure that your soufflés will look and taste beautiful!

    Have a wonderful weekend!
    xo Elizabeth

  • Hi Juliett

    I’m not kidding when I say that I need everything in this post and in fact…I’m getting ready to order most of it! Those Chelsea boots and the cookbook and the storage containers! You nailed it!
    Also, I’ve never had my dryer vent cleaned out but just put it on the list! Thank you!

  • Juliet, Good for you doing all this. I still have my Xmas tree up! I hope to get to it this weekend. I need to order those food organizers. I don’t now why we end up with a bunch of containers and no lids all the time.
    Love that your got to give your china to your niece.. I am sure she will be so glad to have it. Agree on the Cook’s Atelier and have had my old silver in a cup like they do.. It looks great, except I have to polish it more. I need to get that cookbook!

    Your boots are cute and you will use them so much!
    The skirt you wore is darling and love the outfit.. What a great piece to have in the closet.
    I have to get back to Shrinking! A good show.
    Hope you have a great week and glad to be back with you. xo

  • Omg so much good stuff here. I didn’t know about trashiest! Must look into that. Need those glass storage containers, and love Shrinking.

  • Juliet, I do love your refreshing sense of humour! Always makes me smile . Since I gifted myself a smaller Smart tv for Christmas, I have a 3 month trial of AppleTV to enjoy…and I discovered Irish dark comedy Bad Sisters which I binge watched both seasons over my first New Years on my own …such fun! I will check out Shrinking, and on a friend’s advice, Ted Lasso as well.
    I too have paperwork still waiting for filing properly, although it’s been diligently edited. Dealing with my solo finances is a proper challenge. Now I just need to have a better system for my passwords than a tatty old piece of paper in my desk drawer . I bought a new Paperblanks diary and have a small booklet in the back pocket…should work well for that purpose . Paperblanks have such beautiful covers…sometimes my favourite William Morris prints.
    I love my cookbooks…and although I PIN recipes into many categories …and I mean many, I have my favourites on my kitchen counter where I am reminded to open , have a coffee and enjoy this unusual wintery sunny weather we are having here on Vancouver Island in early 2025.
    Now that I am very much settled into my much smaller home, selling several things locally on Marketplace ( including 12 piece Christmas china set for someone else’s memories ) , and have about 80% stored into every available nook & cranny…including my much loved Emma Bridgewater collection…I am feeling more at peace and ready to to continue the editing process .
    Just completed my plans for spring (Holland) and autumn
    ( Yorkshire & Scotland) trips to celebrate my 75th, and now considering how to tackle the little front garden and back patio as the spring weather starts appearing in several weeks. There are reasons people retire here!
    I am watching the fire storms around LA with such empathy, and am buoyed by the international support as well as the caring of people for one another. Here in Canada, we certainly know the misery of intense fires. So much loss…in so many ways.

  • Hi, I’m Juliet … welcome to Make Mine a Spritzer where we talk about all things home décor, classic style and more! I’m so happy you’re here!

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