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Wednesday 1 January 2014

All is quiet ... on New Year's Day

Happy New Year, my lovelies, and I hope you've all had a lovely time? We don't really 'do' New Year's Eve here at Thriftwood, so after a festive bowl of ice-cream, laced with the last of the Bailey's off we went to bed at about 10.30.  Harry thoughtfully brought the New Year in noisily at about 4am, but thanks to my industrial strength earplugs, I slept through it ...


Looking back over the year, it's not been a bad one ... a lovely summer, with lots of sunshine and al fresco dining, one or two mishaps that are not worth dwelling on any longer, but best of all, my family were all safely gathered in for Christmas, and for this alone I feel very lucky.

It was Christmas Day in the Workhouse ...

Christmas has now almost completely been removed; although I love preparing for it, and enjoy the rituals that go with it, for me, once it's over ... it's over.  The trees are down, the baubles wrapped and packed away, but usually there is always a little something, lurking somewhere, that I've completely forgotten about, that will make itself known in the middle of January ...


I don't know about you, but this year I'm not going to make long lists of resolutions that are unachievable, and will just make me feel bad when they fail ... this year I am taking for myself one word ...

SIMPLIFY

I am going to try to simplify my life ... not in one great sweep but in small ways.  I am going to take each day as it comes, and try to simplify something each day.  For a start I want to stop making mountains out molehills, one of my major faults! Rome wasn't built in a day, but if I try to turn a negative into a positive, it will be a step in the right direction.


I am going to cut down on spending (even more!), simplify the way we shop, cook and eat. I want to simplify my surroundings and I want to rid myself of things that clutter up my head with unnecessary thoughts and not give them a moment of my time. If I need something new, I want to first make sure I haven't already got it, or something that will fit the purpose.


This year, when asked what I wanted for Christmas, instead of saying I didn't mind, I asked for things that I need and use all the time.  My favourite shower gel, moisturiser, make up etc, were all given to me and now I have drawersful of my favourite things which I won't have to go out and replace when I run low. 


From my lovely husband, among other things, I received a voucher for 6 sessions of sewing lessons at one of my favourite shops, Suzie B's ... I can't wait to start in the New Year and will keep you posted of my progress! Each session something different is made, a cushion, bag, doll ... I can't actually imagine being able to do this, but have wanted to for ages so this is my chance ...


Now the decorations are down, I'm filling the bare spaces with bowls of Spring bulbs, which brighten up the dullest corner with colour and scent.  It's just a tiny reminder that this bleak, wet and windy Winter weather won't last forever, and that Spring is in fact, just round the corner ... Not wanting to wish my life away though, I'm going to use this time to plan for the year ahead ... family time, finances, home, garden and Thriftwood Vintage ... although no longer contained in a shop, still my passion! I'm looking forward to this year's fairs, my second garden sale in the summer, and meeting lots of lovely people in the process. 



So how about you? Do you want to join me in simplifying our lives or are your lives as simple as can be? Maybe you love the hustle and bustle of a busy life and can't think of anything worse than living simply? 

I'd love to know ...

Love, Claire xxx

43 comments:

  1. Lovely post and happy new year to you! I can feel it will be a good one! I love simple and like you aim to try and simplify a few areas of my life even more! all the best to you!

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  2. Happiest of happy new years, Mrs Thriftwood....
    I LOVE January and her fresh clean slate...I've already started my Gratitude diary for thank fullness of living in the now and being grateful for all that is present... and not rushing around thinking about tomorrow and the day after...
    I'm chilling today and tomorrow or the next I will think of popping Christmas safely away for another year...
    The bulbs are all pushing through, aren't they just...I have a feeling 'winter' will still have the last say in this all...
    Hugs and kisses Claire, have fun at the sewing classes...That's the perfect present for you! hehe....
    Love Maria x

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  3. Hi Claire, I m with You, I already thought this year is a year to simplfy, We have far to much cluttering up the place. When the dec s come down on the 6th, (I can hardly wait now! ) but my daughter likes to keepthem up as long as possible :) I m going to set about tidying and sorting. Love to see spring bulbs around home too,the promise of spring on its way. Happy new year to you and hope 2014 is all you want it to be. Happy and healthy for you and your family. Best wishes juliexxx

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  4. Happy New Year
    I think I will join you to simplify my life and surroundings
    Julie xxxxxxxx

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  5. Lovely post, I really would like to simplify things this year wherever possible.

    Hope you have a wonderful 2014, spring is indeed just around the corner, the first of my daffodil bulbs just popped through the soil yesterday (I had been checking everyday since just before Christmas!)

    Helenxx

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  6. some lovely plans there Claire. Simple is good. You've had a busy christmas by the looks of things. Good luck with ideas for this year! Heather x

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  7. Sewing lessons sounds so exciting! Can't wait to see your progress. My overall goal for this year is very similar to yours, we'll see how we get on! Happy New Year Claire. xx

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  8. hi! Happy New Year to you! I agree, when Christmas is over I just want everything back to normal even though I love it I like to get them down, and yes I too always have a random decoration that I for got about! Last year I just left it up all year! LOL
    I've been doing that for the last few months, I'm much more aware of what I buy when shopping, We don't go without but when I go to M&S now I look out for the yellow stickers, and I've got to know the right time of day to go and get the reduced yummie food and put it in the freezer :) I also need to de clutter a bit more, I did have a big ebay session before xmas but theres definitely room for more to go!!

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  9. I am with you all the way Claire. I too want this to be a year of simplifying. I do like to see lovely things but they do not have to be expensive things, and I too would rather have things that I need rather than those that I just want. Congrats to your husband for getting you sewing lessons. I just know you will have fun. I plan this year to learn how to cook. As my Best Beloved will tell you it is something that has long been necessary! Happy New Year. Philippa xx

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  10. Hi claire, thanks for sharing this post and I love the idea of simplifying your life and I think I will join you on this journey through 2014. Good luck with the sewing lessons i'm looking forward to seeing what you achieve xx

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  11. Happy New Year to you and yours. All put away here too, as wonderful as it all is, it's done now till the next wonderful build up of excitement again. What an exciting present from your husband, I shall look forward to seeing your new makes. Loving the idea of simplify in all it's aspects :) xx

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  12. Happy New Year to you and your family X

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  13. Happy New Year to you and your family X

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  14. happy new year - i try to live as simply as possible as much as possible - this year we only had cards and a few strings of twinkly fairy lights because we were away for christmas itself - cards came down today so that i can clean everywhere tomorrow - enjoy having your family at home and your sewing lessons - what a clever husband indeed!!!!! xx

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  15. Happy new year Claire. How exciting to know sewing will be this years plan. We hate taking the tree and decorations down so they still until 12th night here and then I love a good clean before epiphany feast and getting the bulbs planted. Like you not into new year too much buty mum makes us stay up at hers to sing, my man gave up at 11.30

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  16. Lovely thoughtful post. Very envious of the sewing lessons. My resolution is very similar. To slow down and savour my crafting.

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  17. I can't take Christmas down so early but then I am always late getting it all up. This year we waited for the grandchildren to arrive to decorate the tree and it is looking so pretty that I will wait until 12th Night to take it down.
    The sewing lessons will be the start of something big - i feel it in my bones ;) enjoy!

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  18. A very thought provoking post Claire. I want to try to simplify things and to start to save more. We are hoping to visit my son in Aus, which will be expensive, but I would like to start making meals from scratch more and cutting back. I also want to get our house and garden sorted in preparation for downsizing. I dont know if that will happen this year but you never know. Always best to be prepared. I always love to read your posts, always upbeat and cheerful. Have a wonderful 2014X

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  19. Happy new year claire, yes i am with you on making life alittle more simple. I want to work on fearfulness, i sometimes over worry and then i can feel alittle isolated with anxiety, does that make sense? I am going to enrol on a sewing course, i will let you know how it all goes! best wishes jackie x

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  20. Hi Claire,
    Love reading your blog because I recognize so much of what you write. For instance that little something that makes itself known during January, haha!
    I can also find myself in your effort trying to simplify life where it's possible and love how you've brought a hint of Spring around the house. Tomorrow I go (like every year at the beginning of a new year) to the garden center to create my own little Spring in my home! Have a wonderful year, Anita xo

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  21. Happy New Year Claire to you and your loved ones.
    Lovely post you have shared and can relate to some of those things myself - have been getting rid of clutter ( as I am a little bit of a hoarder) and yes to simplify is good thing. Good luck with the sewing lessons - know you will have fun.
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  22. I wish you all the best with your simplifying in 2014 Claire, and I hope that you have fun with your sewing classes. I hope that the new year brings all that you hope it will and more. xx

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  23. A simple life sounds good :) x

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  24. I'll join you - simplifying is something I need to be doing. With this intention I changed my work shifts from next week into two 12 hours shifts midweek and a saturday leaving 2 days either end of the week free - I hope to make better use of my time this way to get to the gym, batch cook and maybe even sew or paint a little. Happy New Year to you. Betty

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  25. Beautiful post, we dont do New Year either. But this year I want to do exactly what you are doing Simplify x

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  26. I have just found your blog after yous started to follow mine , thank you for that i hope you find it interesting, I love your blog its so pretty and you live in such a beautiful part of the country , you are lucky , my dream is to live in a cottage with roses around the door too

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  27. Love reading your posts, Claire! Looking forward to visiting you here in the coming year. Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year!
    Helen xxox

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  28. Oh Claire I'm with you on simplifying my life, just wish I could have told 21year old me, but then again I can be a stubborn lass so I probably wouldn't have listened!!! Wishing you a happy, healthy simple 2014! :) x

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  29. Happy New Year Claire, wise words as always.
    I think simplifying is a great idea. I'd like to streamline my possessions and live with less clutter, but I don't know if I can do that yet.
    It's very exciting about your sewing lessons, I'll be really interested to see how you get on. It is such a lovely present.

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  30. How lovely to read that! Simplify is something I am hoping to embrace this year too. I did the same as you for christmas I always say oh nothing, but this year I asked for wool and creams and smellies to last they year through. Happy New Year xx

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  31. Wishing you the best of everything for 2014 Claire. I'm going to try to join you in worrying less and try to not make mountains out of molehills too; I also need to be happy with what I have and not be straight onto the next thing, usually a job I want the builder to do!

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  32. I shy away from New Year's resolutions, but I like your idea to simplify life. I would like to simplify some things too, as in get rid of clutter which is a constant battle in my home. I'm glad to hear you had a really good Christmas with all of your family back at home ... great photo :) Great idea to ask for the little things that you need. How wonderful for you to start sewing classes! I know you've mentioned this many times, and I know you'll love it. I love sewing, but don't spend nearly enough time working at it. Well Happy New Year Claire, and good luck in your new learning curve ;) Wendy xox

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  33. Happy New Year to you and your family Claire!...Wishing you a year full of happiness and creativity...Good luck too with your sewing lessons...I'm sure you're going to have lots of fun :-) Simplifying has been on my mind throughout the last year and how best to achieve it...I'm with you all the way!
    Susan x

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  34. Happy New Year Claire, I do love all your bulbs in their various pots,they're so heartwarming! TTFN Pam.

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  35. Great post, love your " word " have chosen my word for this year and it is " enjoy ", I also will be simplifying as well... Wishing a good year.

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  36. Love your 'spring' photos...
    Wishing you lots of luck and happinez for this new year!
    Hope we'll have a great blogyear again :)

    Lovely greetings, MJ

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  37. I am an occasional joiner in at http://slowlivingessentials.blogspot.com/ who do a monthly round up of how you have attempted to slow down in life. You might like it... Eleanor x

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  38. Happy New Year to you and your loved ones Claire! Hope 2014 will be just as good as the past year.

    Madelief x

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  39. lovely post Claire ...particularly like the workhouse photo hehe ! I think it's a great idea to simplify every now and then .. a bit of a spring clean..also I love filling the house with spring bulbs as a reminder that spring is just around the corner.
    p.s love my quilt I am so lucky having such a sweet sister !!
    Gail x

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  40. Happy New Year!! Claire
    Sorry I have not spoken for so long, I don't now where time goes, glad you had a good go at the shop idea, its not until we try these things that we find out what we really want, the hairspray thing sounds horrid
    Glad you all had a fab time at Christmas
    I am sure you will enjoy your sewing class, it will give you the confidence to have a go!
    I intend to simplify my world a bit more too, we have had a big de clutter in our garage, oh my you should have seen it Claire, chock a block with things that (might come in handy on day) so off to the C shop with it at the weekend...
    We also have plans to go for more walks once it is a bit warmer..(cheap day out)
    Hope you have escaped this strange weather and stayed dry
    Thea xx

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  41. Due to necessity we've been living simply for the last few months and some days it bores me, other days its the most rewarding thing I've ever done. Good luck with your plans to simplify 2014. Your sewing lessons sound like a wonderful gift, I hope you enjoy them. x

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  42. Happy New Year Claire :)

    I like to think in terms of abundance in the context of simplicity ... it doesn't have to be measured in quantity but rather quality :)

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  43. I can't wait to see what comes out of those sewing lessons!

    Hope all is well with you Claire x

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I love to hear what you think of my ramblings and value all your comments ... I will try and get back to you, but am sorry if I don't always manage this ... sometimes real life just gets in the way! Claire xxx