In the nick of time: Reverse 100 thing challenge

I do better if I have a set number, a limit, something concrete to aim for. 

I decided to do the Reverse 100 thing challenge, and added an extra bit along the way. Complete the challenge before the new year. I started this on the 27th December.

And I have!! I just counted them, and the grand total, including things that I had already decided to get rid of, is.....


140!!!!

Woah. I was thinking to myself, never will I get to 100 this evening. I even overshot my target! 

I've been hampered by my lack of photo taking opportunities (being at work full time and arriving home in the dark). So I've got a badly-lit-flash-gone-off-messy-photo of all the items. It will have to do! :)

 

This feels great. I am ready to take on a New Year, to continue to question my belongings, and be free of all this stuff that I see everywhere I go. I will probably do this again in early 2013! My ultimate dream is to reduce my personal belongings to a total of 200. Never again do I want to make 7 car trips just for my stuff when I move house. 

I'm excited for what the New Year will bring. I have a long project list to keep me busy, and will look forward to making some regular blogging time! 

In the mean time, I wish you all the very best for 2013, and I also want to thank my readers for the support and comments these past few months.



HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
  

Christmas

I've radically simplified my Christmas this year. I've made my own decorations for my very first Christmas tree, and made do with what I had in the house to decorate. I've baked some half-moons (or affectionately known as jam-clams in my house), that I will show you at some point. I have spent very little money this year, and I like it. I haven't visited a shopping centre once. I haven't been stressed out trying to find that last minute present. 

I've been so much more relaxed this year. 

I want to show you some home made decorations for the tree, and been given by my family members.

 

1. Crochet Christmas star, from this pattern. Made with red and white yarn held together. 

2. My grandma is a genius at wrapping presents. Most years I find a lovely decoration on the outside of the present. 

3. Crochet Christmas star, made with twine. I like the country look.

4. Another star, made from curling ribbon. It has a sheen to it that I like.  

5. A lovely little angel made by my cousin. I got two for Christmas last year, and they get to go on my new tree in 2012.
6. A felt heart, another from grandma, another present decoration. Two felt hearts joined together with blanket stitch. 
7. A felt candy cane, two pieces of felt joined together with blanket stitch. 
8. My little felt reindeer. Again, two felt pieces joined together with blanket stitch. 

I made 7 and 8 by printing out stencils online, and cutting out felt pieces. Once I'd made a few stitches, I used the end of a small crochet hook to stuff it with polyester toy filling. It gives them a bit of shape and rigidity. 

I found some little 10p candy canes in the local sweet shop, to have some edible decorations:

 


We're in Norfolk this year for Christmas, and we brought the Christmas tree with us. I've put it up with my Tesco value fairy lights and my IKEA battery powered stars. 

 

Not bad, for my first year of decorating my own tree. Finally, I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope you all have a wonderful time with family and friends. And eat a lot of yummy food.