Turn unwanted gift accessories into someone else’s treasures
Whew! Boy, what a season. Perhaps you were like me and thought you had everything finished early so you could coast. Christmas has come and gone and I’m still waiting to coast. But oh what fun it was to ride in a bundle of family, friends and holiday hoopla. Now all those sparkly decorations have to be packed away. Where are those elves we hear so much about? They could help. Santa’s not the only who is ready for a nap.
Yes, it’s time to get off the yummy food binge and back to the good-for-you eating plan. It’s time to take down the tinsel and throw out the tree. And it’s time to figure out what to do with those gifts that were given with good intentions but will never see the light of day.
If you got an accessory you can’t imagine wearing, I have a great deal for you. Donate it to the Wichita Center for the Arts event that is coming in February. The Rodeo Drive via ICT Baubles Bar is going to be a fun event for women who love jewelry, belts, scarves, handbags, sunglasses, etc. It’s the perfect time to clean out those jewelry boxes and accessory drawers so you can fill them up again. Take items you no longer want to the center at 9112 E. Central, then plan to attend the event. Some great items have already been collected, but the more, the better the event. Watch for more details later.
Wait! What happened? — For once I was a patient person and was punished for it. Last year one of the most unique gifts I received was from my friends Sierra and Harrison. They gave me a cute little keg and some gin, and I was to distill my own gin. I was instructed to put gin in the keg and once in awhile add more. I thought I’d add some other stuff such as dried cranberries and maybe a lemon rind. I added gin once in awhile because the instructions said “the angels taste it from time to time.”
When Sierra came over just before Christmas it was the year anniversary of my distilling project. I had a perfect little glass and was ready to taste it when she arrived. Actually I was going to give her the first delectable sip. I turned the tiny tap on the miniature keg and nothing happened. I took out the plug in the top. That little keg was bone dry. It smelled good, but the angels drank the whole thing. I had started to taste it several times, but decided to be patient. And look where it got me! Not a sip, not a drop. Talk about evaporation.
Sierra laughed until she cried. I was too surprised. I guess I’ll start all over. I’ll let you know next year how my distilled gin tastes because I’m going to keep a closer eye on it. In the meantime, angels, you’re welcome.
How was your year? – It’s always important to look ahead, but this is the perfect time to take a look back at your own personal 2015. A lot of people will say, “Oh, nothing much happened this year.” Those are the folks who need to think a little harder. Write and tell me the best or worst thing that happened to you, or the funniest or the most unusual in 2015. There, that will make you ponder a bit.
Have a safe and happy New Year.
Reach Bonnie Bing at bingbylines@gmail.com.
This story was originally published December 23, 2015 at 8:05 PM with the headline "Turn unwanted gift accessories into someone else’s treasures."