I love having a good clear-out.
It's really sad just how much satisfaction I get out of having a good old rummage through the wardrobes and drawers and filling up bags for the charity shop.
And every time I do it, I'm amazed at how much stuff has gathered up without us even noticing.
With the festive season on the horizon, I decided the other day to get stuck in and begin the first of a series of pre-Christmas clear-outs.
Ten minutes in, I was sorry I’d started because the house began to resemble a jumble sale.
However, not to be beaten, I mentally blocked out the mess and just kept going.
Soon, I was like a machine, going room to room, sorting through drawers, emptying out toy boxes and scaling wardrobes to clear out whatever was on top.
It was while I was on this roll that I found myself stopped suddenly in my tracks.
Having taken aim at James’s wardrobe, it was while I was emptying a bottom shelf that my hand found a little vest, aged 9-12 months.
Suddenly, I had to take a deep breath and found myself holding the little vest against me.
Now, what I should have done was throw it out but instead I found myself putting it in a new bag I opened at the corner of the room - I don't know why.
Soon, the bag became packed with little babygrows, cute baby blankets and even tiny shoes.
Later, I added in other similar items, in pink this time, that I found in Abbie’s drawers including little hats and tiny outfits.
Later that night, I ventured into the attic to put the bag up.
Instantly, I realised our loft was jam packed and really needed cleared out.
Of course, it was obvious what was taking up the space - a pink buggy, a black and grey double buggy, a baby bath, a cot, a Moses basket and a couple of ride-ons.
However, I soon found myself getting very upset at the thought of throwing this stuff out.
I tried to tell myself to stop being ridiculous, it's not like I'm going to need this stuff again, is it?
At that, my ovaries gave a yelp and I safely stored the holdall and closed up the attic.
In bed that night, I found myself thinking about all the stuff stored up above and didn't get much sleep.
The next day, I decided I would just hold on to it all for the time being just in case because - you never know.
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Love Island fans (like me) could be on course for an early Christmas present this year amid reports ITV2 bosses are planning a festive special. Yay.
According to media reports, producers are keen to reunite the cast at the Mallorca villa, despite the fact that only four of the nine couples are still together making for some tense viewing - love it.
Producers are apparently in the process of getting people to sign up.
It is understood the reunion show could follow the format of the spin off After Sun and will take place back in the famous villa.
Sounds fab.
Bring on the villa mistletoe.
#christmasinthesun
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Competition
With Christmas on the horizon, it’s time to hit the shops so how do you fancy winning a pit-stop and a fantastic meal overlooking Belfast?
Located on the top floor of House of Fraser, The Ivory Restaurant is one of the city's best kept secrets, offering spectacular views over the bustling streets below as well as a top menu of mouth-watering treats.
The restaurant has newly appointed Adam Sarhan as head chef bringing a North African and Middle Eastern influence to the menu.
Diners can look forward to enjoying a host of delicious dishes made with ingredients from local suppliers including Walter Ewing’s smoked salmon to La Rousse Royal Boyne Valley lamb and don’t forget the freshest vegetables grown in the Ivory garden.
And all this can be washed down with a carefully selected wine list to enhance the dining experience.
I have three vouchers to give away, each offering a three –course pre-theatre meal for two people.
If you fancy winning a voucher for The Ivory, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below - to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is 12 noon on Tuesday, November 6, 2018
(Q) The Ivory is located on the top floor of which department store in Belfast?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
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The winners of the Elave competition Marie McCrory, from Belfast, Margaret Stephens, from Belfast and Mary Kelly, from Draperstown.
