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Monday, 20 January 2014

Blue Monday ...

Hello my lovelies, Happy Blue Monday to you! Today is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year ... it's the annual low-point ...  post-Christmas, failed resolutions, financial gloominess and to top it all, grey dismal weather! I hope you're not too down-in-the-dumps ... I'm not!

With grateful thanks to Google!


I quite like Mondays, because I have the house to myself after the weekend, and don't usually get dressed ** until I've cleaned the house from top to bottom.  I know I'm strange, but I quite like cleaning, once I've got started, and love the feeling of having a clean house. Get some cleaning tips here ... After breakfast, I'll set to ...


January always feels like a new start for me too ... planning the vegetable plot and rearranging the garden in my mind, are both pleasant 'January Jobs'.  I also have the urge to declutter and clean out cupboards in readiness for Spring and think it makes much more sense to 'Spring' clean in the dark, gloomy days of Winter than in the bright, mild days of March and April, when time could be more pleasantly spent outdoors.


Last summer seems so long ago! x


January also gives me more time to make ... I'm building up a stock for upcoming fairs, and making pictures for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day ... any kind of day! (perhaps a Blue Monday one?)


This one was made for a friend you may have met before ...


Today Harry is coming home for a few days as he's just finished his exams at Uni, and is bringing his new girlfriend to meet us.  I've been 'girlifying' Jacob's room for her ... I'd quite like to move in myself! It's amazing how just a few accessories can transform a room ... all I added were some lace curtains, a few floral cushions and a vase of daffodils (all of which are easily removed when Jacob comes home!) and the room is transformed from lad's pad to a cosy, feminine bedroom. This is how it looks now, but I didn't do a before ... not very aesthetically pleasing, I'm afraid!


I feel at a bit of a crossroads lately, but in an exciting sort of way ... do I take opportunities that present themselves, or do I trust in myself and build on what I have to offer? Decisions, decisions ... it's not always right to take the easy path, sometimes we need to make that leap into the unknown ... Halfway down the stairs, a bit like Ruby ...


This is just a short post today, my lovelies, as I need to get my cleaning cloths out and get scrubbing ... so I'll love you and leave you, but what are you getting on with to beat the Winter blues? I'd really love to know ...

Have a fabulously colourful Monday!

Love Claire xxx

 ** I'm not a 'naked cleaner' ... I do it in my pyjamas!
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56 comments:

  1. Amy at love made my home20 January 2014 at 09:06

    I hope that you enjoy the cleaning! I guess that a bit like try in your shop, if you don't give things a go when they present themselves you will never know what could have been, and even if you discover that it isn't what you want, at least you tried and you know if it is right. Also, it might just be the best thing ever, and how great would that be! Good luck in making some decisions. xx

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    1. thriftwood20 January 2014 at 09:35

      Hello Amy! I'm just not very good at decisions, so I'm going to go with my instinct and hope it's right! Thanks for dropping in, you're very welcome xx

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  2. Jo@awholeplotoflove20 January 2014 at 09:16

    I love Mondays it is one of my days off work, so I refuse to get downhearted. It is also my main cleaning day - well morning so I really should be getting on with it.

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    1. thriftwood20 January 2014 at 09:36

      I do too! I think Mondays should be the new Friday ... I've got that Monday feeling! xx

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  3. Unknown20 January 2014 at 09:31

    When you have finished the cleaning Google this little poem 'Dust if You Must'... if you don't already know it, it's a good one. xx

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    1. thriftwood20 January 2014 at 09:37

      Hello Ethel, I am familiar with that poem, it's great and I think judging by the state of my daughter's bedroom, it is also her mantra! xxx

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  4. KC'sCourt!20 January 2014 at 09:48

    My mum used to always clean top to bottom of the house in her pyjamas before she got dressed. I feel happy today too.
    Julie xxxxxxxxx

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    1. thriftwood20 January 2014 at 10:22

      Glad you're feeling happy Julie! I don't see the point in showering and dressing before doing a load of cleaning! I have a shower and dress when I've finished, and just hope I don't get any visitors! xx

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  5. Everydaythings20 January 2014 at 10:11

    way too hot to get dressed here so I clean in my pj's too. But I do clean the shower in the nude! that makes sense doesnt it?

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    1. thriftwood20 January 2014 at 10:20

      Haha, so do I ... I spray the shower and leave it to do its work then clean it while I'm showering ... good time management! xxx

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  6. Pam20 January 2014 at 10:28

    I am with you all the way on cleaning in my PJ,s then having a shower. As for a gloomy day, well my day has started on a roll. The rain clouds have gone, the sun is blazing out of a blue sky, there was a frost but that just made the morning sparkle. I have decluttered most of the cottage recently and changed cupboards around to be more user friendly, well I am the user! My resolutions were,1, to have as much fun as possible on as little money as possible and I have made a start on that. 2. To sew my way through my fabric stash to make 4 quilts to donate and I am halfway on that. Not a bad start and we are only just starting this year.

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  7. thriftwood20 January 2014 at 10:54

    Hello Pam, sounds like you've made a great start! Your cottage sounds lovely ... all clean and tidy and uncluttered ... perfect! xxx

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  8. Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms20 January 2014 at 11:03

    Oh God, I hate cleaning. Hate it with a passion. I won't go into my cleaning habits (or rather lack of them) as you might be horrified. Anyway, hope you have a lovely time with Jacob. xx

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    1. thriftwood20 January 2014 at 11:56

      Hello Loo, I love your honesty! I think it's me that's in the minority ... not you. It's Harry that's coming home, it's Jacob's old room that's been made into a girly boudoir ... sssh, don't tell him! xx

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  9. Vintage Sheet Addict20 January 2014 at 11:48

    I'm really, really happy today, sat in my newly decorated space, sun shining, blog visiting.....it's the little things isn't it? Exciting times for you! :) x

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  10. thriftwood20 January 2014 at 12:00

    I've just been over to have a look Ada, and it's gorgeous! I'm glad eeryone is feeling happy today ... Blue Monday ... what Blue Monday?

    Love Claire xxx

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  11. john20 January 2014 at 16:24

    I did have a little giggle at the naked cleaning bit !! hope you have a lovely time with your son and his girl. Gail x

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    1. thriftwood20 January 2014 at 20:07

      Hi Gail, I'm off to pop over t you now, I can see you have a new post on my sidebar! xxx

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  12. Young at Heart20 January 2014 at 16:38

    I hate Mondays...all of them....and I hate cleaning even more.....did check your tips though will that spray make the black bits in thebathroom white again???!!

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    1. thriftwood20 January 2014 at 20:11

      I've yet to find anything that completely removes black stuff from showers, but mould and remover spray from Dettol is amazingly good, and does a very good job! xx

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  13. Vintage Jane20 January 2014 at 16:52

    Monday is never a good day for me as I work from 7.45am to 6.30pm. I love my Friday day off when I can often be found cleaning in my PJ's too! M x

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    1. thriftwood20 January 2014 at 20:10

      I wouldn't like Monday if I were you either! Hope you have a lovely Friday this week xxx

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  14. Unknown20 January 2014 at 17:25

    wow sounds you are on a mission today - that only happens on the odd occasion here i have to say!!!!!! i went to my once a week exercise class this morning which lasts only an hour but by the time i've come home and showered and dressed it's lunchtime then this afternoon i met an old friend for a catch up - only just got home now - we had a lot to catch up on!!!! house is a tip but i am happy!!!! hope harry's visit goes well and that girlfriend sees you've made an effort - always a bit nerve wracking meeting girlfriends for the first time - (speaking as the mother in law from hell) - i'm thinking she will be nice because your son can obviously see something in her to bring her home to meet you!!!!! enjoy your visitation xx

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    1. thriftwood20 January 2014 at 20:12

      Thanks for your lovely comments Lynne, hope you had a lovely day too xxx

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    2. Unknown20 January 2014 at 23:24

      forgot to say i love the lumineer's picture!!! one of my favourite songs!!! xx

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    3. thriftwood21 January 2014 at 08:35

      So do I Lynne! xx

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  15. Marie-José20 January 2014 at 18:39

    Your story could be mine Claire...no monday blues for me :))
    I always start my monday by going to the gym, at 08:00 (!!!) and after I get home I clean my house in my sweaty sports outfit ;)
    Then I take a shower and have lunch before I go to the supermarket to get some vegetables, fruit and meat for a day or two...
    And your right, I also love it to have my home for myself after the weekend!
    Everybody at work or school...sigh...
    At tuesday my working week starts...so yes yes, I so do love my monday :)))

    Love the way you write Claire, wasn't afraid you cleaned naked but it crossed my mind for a second...haha...;)

    Wishing you a lovely week, MJ xxx

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  16. thriftwood20 January 2014 at 20:14

    Ooh the gym sounds like real hard work MJ! glad you love Mondays too ... Seems a lot of us bloggy people do too! Wishing you a lovely week too, thank you xxx

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  17. Anne20 January 2014 at 20:30

    I love having a day to myself to clean and sort but as yet I havent had a day like that this year Claire. There always seems to be something else to do that takes precedence. I am hoping to have a couple of days off in a couple of weeks when I will be able to catch up and do a few jobs. There are only the two of us at home and we muddle along normally but I do like a good fettle!
    Love how you have prettified the bedroom, I'm sure it will be appreciated Claire. Have a good week XX

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    1. thriftwood21 January 2014 at 08:20

      Hi Anne ... love the words 'a good fettle', sounds so down to earth and you just know it means hard work! Lovely to see you, you're always welcome here xxx

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  18. Unknown20 January 2014 at 21:38

    Hi Claire,
    I wish I could get your motivation to clean! Seems I'm always on a hiding to nothing in this house. No sooner do I clean it and it's messed up by my messy lot!
    You did a lovely job in Jacob's bedroom and I'm sure his girlfriend will be pleased at how thoughtful you are x

    Love Julie x
    mrsmelwoodbeer

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    1. thriftwood21 January 2014 at 08:23

      Haha I know Julie! It's a thankless task ...

      Lovely to see you. and thanks for your lovely comments xx

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  19. Jennifer Hays20 January 2014 at 23:02

    I kind of like cleaning too. Well, not scrubbing the shower, that's my most-hated chore. But I'll vacuum, dust, wash dishes, mop floors, etc., very happily. :)

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    1. thriftwood21 January 2014 at 08:27

      I've heard that the secret of a clean shower is never to let it get dirty in the first place! Bit late for that now here ... Enjoy your day lovely xx

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  20. Josie-Mary21 January 2014 at 07:30

    I always clean in my PJ's, I don't see the point of getting dress to clean! I forgot yesterday was suppose to be depressing, normally they go on about on the breakfast news which reminds you to be depressed! x

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    1. thriftwood21 January 2014 at 08:29

      Hi Jo! I totally agree with you!

      It was all over the News and Breakfast TV, that was why I wrote the post ... you must have had a different channel on to me! xxx

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  21. Jacqui Galloway21 January 2014 at 07:57

    'Half way up the stairs, is the stair where I sit. Isn't any other quite like it'.
    Trust in yourself.x

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  22. Streetcomber22 January 2014 at 13:22

    Hi Claire, that was a very busy and motivating post! I also like to clean in my pyjamas, glad I am not alone in that! Love what you did to prettify your boy's bedroom.

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    1. thriftwood22 January 2014 at 21:16

      Aw thank you, seems I'm not alone!

      Thanks for visiting xx

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  23. Ali22 January 2014 at 17:34

    Hello Claire, I'm glad to hear your not cleaning in the nude, although it would save on washing :) Like you I love to have a good clean when no one's in. Your embroidered pictures are really pretty and I had a peek at your makes from your lessons and they're wonderful. How exciting to meet Harry's girlfriend, the room looks lovely. University is obviously agreeing with him.
    Take care.
    Ali x

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    1. thriftwood22 January 2014 at 21:18

      Hello Ali, lovely to see you! The bedroom preparation was to no avail ... The girlfriend didn't come after all that! Nice to have Harry home though xx

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  24. ♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM22 January 2014 at 19:22

    Hi Claire...Cleaning is a strange thing, isn't it? I never like the thought of it but love it when everything is sparkly and bright!
    I'm sure Harry's girlfriend will love that you have made Jacob's room so pretty and girly..she's going to feel so welcome,
    Hope you're having a great week,
    Susan x

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    1. thriftwood22 January 2014 at 21:21

      Hello Susan, no pain no gain! It's worth it in the end ...

      Harry's girlfriend didn't come in the end, so will have to change room back in case Jacob comes home ... Never mind was nice while it lasted!

      Love Claire xxx

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  25. September Violets22 January 2014 at 20:56

    I like having the house to myself too ... but it never happens it seems! How nice for your son to be finished with exams for now. My son starts his tomorrow in high school and it's totally stressing ME out! The "girly" touches look very nice, and I'm sure the new girlfriend will appreciate you went to the effort. You'll be enjoying your freshly cleaned house by now ... thank goodness you keep your pj's on during that ... the images that would come to mind otherwise!! Wendy xox

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  26. thriftwood22 January 2014 at 21:22

    Hello Wendy, hope your boy gets on with his exams ok ... I thin we get more worked up than them!

    Thanks for dropping in, always lovely to see you!

    Love, Claire xx

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  27. Gem23 January 2014 at 19:20

    Ooooh how did it go with the girlfriend Claire? You are so sweet to make her room girlie, how many mums would do that?!?! Just cute. Hope you liked her and that it was all wonderful.
    I need to get into a routine with cleaning now, just not enough hours in the day.
    Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for your kind comments.
    Love my surprise baby so much.

    x x x x x

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    1. thriftwood23 January 2014 at 20:12

      Hello Gem! Lovely of you t drop in and surprised you've got the time nowadays, what with looking after your gorgeous new baby and all! I have yet to meet the new girlfriend, as Harry came home on his own ... You have all the unpredictability of teenagerdom to come (although he's almost 20) so think I might move into the room myself! Enjoy your lovely family, they're adorable xxxx

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  28. myshabbychicvintagefrugallife23 January 2014 at 19:39

    I cant wait to start my garden , starting from scratch i have so many plans spinning around in my head , but i need it to be pretty and practical xxx

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  29. thriftwood23 January 2014 at 20:15

    I can't wait to see the results! Enjoy your planning xxx

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  30. Maria24 January 2014 at 14:19

    ~ He He, DITTO! I'm cleaning in my PJ''s today, Mrs Thriftwood... Oops and it's after 1pm...I like to be daring...a lovely post and the bedroom for the young lady visitor with the pretty name looks beautiful....soo does ruby! Happy Friday to you...

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  31. noodleBubble25 January 2014 at 15:28

    I too stay in my pjs to clean. Sometimes I forget to do the cleaning though. noodleBubble xx

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  32. The Custards27 January 2014 at 23:11

    I too have that urge to tidy and clear up ready for the year ahead - a never ending task but most of the time I don't mind it. My favourite job is cleaning copper and brass with the Brasso!
    I too am fully clothed......
    All the very best for your decision making and your hopes and aspirations ahead
    Best wishes
    Jenny

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  33. Peg28 January 2014 at 18:57

    I've found you again!, I lost your blog address and happened to find you on someone else's blog. I do love reading your posts they always bring a smile to my face. I'm so pleased you did the h/work in your pj's and not naked, think of the postman bless him. :) If it was me it would scar him for life lol.

    Peg x

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  34. Tracy Glover3 February 2014 at 18:47

    Hello!
    You are such a nice Mum. It is always scary going to meet someone's parents. How lovely of you.
    I hope you find your way in what you want to do and your new opportunities. You have an eye for such lovely things so I'm sure it must be linked to that. xxx

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  35. Annie Cholewa4 February 2014 at 22:18

    So glad you added the PJs bit ;)

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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

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