Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments you left on Thursday’s post! There were several questions and I tried to answer those in the comments on that post, so if you have a moment, check out the comments for additional information on that project. You’ll find that post here: Tablescaping Storage for Dishware, Flatware, Napkin Rings, Napkins and Glassware.
I’ve been washing glasses the last couple of days, removing that slippery film that magically appears on glasses when they haven’t been used in a while. (Read more about that in this post: The Mysterious Case of the Greasy Glass.)
I still haven’t finished, have a few more of the clear glasses to wash, but things are looking much shinier! Notice any changes between the photo above and the one below? This is like one of those “Spot the Differences” game! 🙂
I moved the large, aqua-colored, margarita glasses back to the storage island in the laundry room since I rarely use those and they were taking up a lot of space. With that space opened up, I moved two more sets of glasses that I do frequently use in tablescapes to the cabinet. I shifted around some of the glassware in the green section and was able to squeeze in my Williams-Sonoma Frenchy fruit glasses that I purchased many years ago. I think I’m done with the tweaking for now. Maybe. Now I just need to finish washing the rest of the glassware before something I ordered arrives.
To hopefully keep the glasses clean and shiny, or at least slow down the process of that yucky film returning, I ordered these silica gel pouches. Since high levels of humidity is one of the factors thought to increase the chance that glassware will build up that yucky film, I plan to toss one of the packets into a few of the glasses on each shelf,
I purchased this particular brand since it’s been tested to be safe around food. Of course, I’ll still wash any glasses I place one of the packets in before using them. I purchased a set of 50 packets, but they come in a lot of different sizes. You’ll find them available here: Silica Gel Desiccant Pouches.
While working on the glasses this weekend, I came across a small set of Christmas dishware that I had forgotten about: My Valerie Hill Parr, 12 Days of Christmas. It was tucked away in a kitchen cabinet.
Since I’d like all the Christmas dishware together in one cabinet (not including the two Lenox patterns stored in my dining room china cabinet) I’ll be adding another shelf to the “Christmas” cabinet this weekend. It feels good to be getting it together all in one place instead scattered about over several cabinets and pantries.
Packing Time!
I can’t believe I leave for Ireland in one week! In some ways I wish it was still another month off because a big part of the fun of travel is the time and anticipation leading up to a trip, that time when you’re reading and dreaming about the place you’ll be visiting. I guess that’s why those of us afflicted with wanderlust almost always have a trip in the works, or at least in the planning stage. When you’re not traveling, you’re scheming and dreaming about the next adventure, right?
This weekend I’ll be doing some preliminary packing. I want to leave some open space in my big suitcase for one of those Irish sweaters or throws that may need to come home with me. 😉
I’ll share a packing post real soon with what I plan to take on this 10-day trip to Ireland. In the meantime, I’ve been scoping out the end of summer sales online at my favorite stores and I’ve linked to many of my favorites below. Most of the items I’ve linked to below are currently on sale. A few are not but they were so cute, I couldn’t resist including them in this round-up. Many of the shoes are only $25-$30 now! I think I’m going to add another pair to my summer shoe wardrobe…that price is just too good to pass up!
This is one of the pairs I’m eyeing…they are only $27 now. You’ll find these shoes and all my other favorites linked below. Click on any photo to find that favorite.
Oh, before I go, have you seen some of the new fall clothes that are coming in? I will definitely add this Indigo Blue Tweed Jacket to my wardrobe! It reminds me so much of the Chanel jackets that are a gazillion more expensive.
I love the design…so cute! It could be dressed up for work and dressy occasions, or would look great with jeans. Love! It’s not on sale yet since it’s a new arrival, but you can check it out in more detail here: Tweed Jacket. If you love it, I wouldn’t wait too long in purchasing it. I could be wrong but I have a feeling it’s going to be one of those items that goes pretty quickly, especially if it lasts long enough to go on sale.
Happy Weekend Shopping! Click on any image below to check out that item. Many are currently on sale or on clearance.
You’ll love Ireland and the people. You mentioned you were saving room in your suitcase for Irish knit sweaters, we didn’t do that because they will ship to your address. Was much better and so easy. You may want to consider that option. Enjoy you trip.
Thanks, Marnie…I’ll definitely keep that in mind. I wonder how much they charge to ship…hopefully it’s not too much.
Wanted to wish you a safe, wonderful trip to Ireland. I look forward to seeing lots of photos! One word of safety – please be careful with those silica packs if you have little children or pets around. They can have some awful effects if a child or pet swallows them.
Thanks, Paula! I don’t have any pets or children in my household now, so no danger there. Good tip, though!
I’ll be going to Ireland next September so I am looking forward to your trip notes. Just ordered a new Barbour jacket for that trip. Couldn’t resist that green anchor sweater from Talbots and the bee slipper- so adorable. Reading about your glassware issues motivated me to address the clouding that is appearing on my everyday glassware. Apparently it’s due to hardwater and using rinse aid and occasional vinegar wash is the answer.
I love that green anchor sweater, Patricia…it’s sooo cute! Talbots is knocking it out of the park, every season now! Those bee slippers are adorable too and that was an awesome sale for those!
I just shared your tip about the hardwater with a reader in the comments of that previous post about the slimy glassware. She had literally just ask me what could be causing clouding on her glasses about an hour ago, then you had the perfect answer. So I shared your tip with her in the comments on that other post. Thanks for sharing that information! I knew someone who worked for a chemical company here in Georgia and he told me years ago that we were very lucky here in GA because our water is fairly balanced. We don’t have treat it with anything other than the normal sanitizing that happens at the water plants. So I guess that means we don’t have hard water here. The only thing I’ve had issues with clouding were inexpensive measuring cups. My everyday glassware, La Rochere Bee glasses, always come out of the dishwasher clear. So thanks again for that tip for those folks with hard water!
Packing—what a difficult balance to take all that you will need, but still leave room for all things you will want. Need. I meant things you will NEED to bring home 😉
lol Exactly! I’m am absolutely positive I will run into a few sweaters that will plead with me to bring them back to Georgia. 😉
Your glasses look so pretty. I like the Valerie Parr Hill Christmas Plates. I barely use my Lenox holiday plates. Will be thinking of you on your glorious trip. Keep us posted of the happenings. And Be Safe. Always aware of your surroundings.
Love, Mom. Hee hee
Here’s a tip: Home Depot sells these shelf liners that are like clear plastic but have “ribs” or ridges or stripes, where you can place them (they don’t stick, just lays) on the shelf and the glasses that are placed upside down will have some air movement. I have those in my kitchen cabinets and it might help with that greasy film issue because those are the only glasses that stay clean. I think it also helps to cushion from any breakage on a hard shelf. Just a suggestion!!
Thanks, Elena! I’m planning and heading over to Home Depot this evening to have them cut a few more shelves for me. I will look for the shelf liner while there. Unfortunately, even the glasses that sit upright get slimy, but it might be worth a try to add that onto the shelves, it I have enough space.
Very exciting…very exciting, INDEED!!! franki
Thanks, Franki!
Susan, Will be anxiously awaiting pictures and stories of your trip to my favorite place.☘️☘️☘️On one of my visits I bought a beautiful Irish linen wrap. On another note, I think you need to keep those Margarita glasses close by, not way out in the garage!
Thanks, Kathy! lol That’s a very good point! 😉
After all your hard work, I’m so glad you have a wonderful trip to enjoy! It will be so much fun to hear about your adventures. Remember, though, not to let your desire to keep us all informed, take away from any of your vacation time! You’ve earned it! Rosie
Thanks, Rosie! I will do my best to remember that! 🙂
Your trip has me a little green. I would love to visit Ireland and also return to Scotland. I agree about anticipation. I think that’s true with everything. It’s the excitement and joy of planning and looking forward to the experience as much as the experience itself.
Definitely leaves some space for some wonderful Irish woolens, but remember, you can always buy a bag and fill it up. I’ve done that so many times. I always pack light and when traveling with my husband, never check a bag on the way over. That makes it easy to have a bag just for bring things home. 😉
Have a fantastic trip.
Wish you were going, Sarah…what fun we would have! I want to see Scotland, too! I’m going to try to not go crazy, but I’m sure I’ll be tempted with lots of pretties. Guess I can always have them shipped back if I go a little crazy. lol Thanks, Sarah!
I went to order a pair of the bee shoes, but all sold out in my size. Did you get a pair? Love these!
No, I was thinking about it since the sale is so good. They may be out of my size by now. That’s a really popular design, I think. Sarah, I remember a year or so ago when I was looking at a pair of those shoes and they were sold out, I checked back about a week later and they were restocked. So you may want to check back in a few days, I bet they will restock those since that bee design is so popular.
I love sales, thank you. I still think about Ireland and how quaint it was,it was the greatest and know you’ll have fun. You need to have fun after all that work.
I hope I can turn my mind off and enjoy. It’s sometimes hard to go from busy life to relax mode, but I know I need that occasionally. Thanks, Marlene!
Seeing your storage makes me want to get my dishes in order. You also make me want to shop for printed glasses.
That are fun for table settings, especially summer ones. 🙂
This week will fly by. Glad you were able to complete the “wall scape”. Lol Looking forward to seeing the beautiful pictures of Ireland! Will pray for safe journey for you.
That’s what I’m afraid of! lol Thanks, Cyndi! XX
I just have to tell you…..I have ordered SO many of your recommendations of travel “stuff”!! I travel alot and always look forward to seeing what your think is helpful. Just last week, I received the darling traveling pull tote and the pill package and the handbag!!! Seriously, you and I must be on the same wavelength for packing!
Have a wonderful trip to Ireland…can’t wait to see pics!!
Oh, I’m so glad to hear that! I love all three of those, too! I’ll be using them all on my upcoming trip to Ireland. Thanks! I need to get busy planning the clothes, been putting it off but can’t do that much longer.
I am so excited for you!!! Can’t wait to see all your wonderful pictures.
Thanks, Debbie! Looking forward to sharing them with you! 🙂
Glad you found your forgotten Valerie Parr Hill Christmas plates. I have also fotgotten about a couple of sets of nice dishes due to my scattered storage areas.
SUSAN!
FYI: Today Zulily.com posted FRYE on their daily site. Haven’t viewed what is being sold but I wanted to let you know!!! Might want to check it out…
Thanks, Sheryl…will do! 🙂
Great picks for your trip, I LLLLOOOVVEE the green anchor sweater!! I may just snap that one up! Have a wonderful trip!
Those shoes…cute, almost bought them…and I really admired the jacket…but am sitting on my hands because I can’t even wear most of the really nice things I already have. Have to get a grip here! This post came during your trip, I hope you are having a wonderful time.