52 weeks of happy: 4/52

I'm back, to share my simple, happy moments of this week (starting 22nd Jan).  I'm joining in with Jen at little birdie and my friend Gillian at Tales from a happy house


1.

2.

 

1. the feel of clean sheets

2. reading in bed on a Sunday morning, and indulging in Nutella toast after breakfast, and another cup of tea. Delightful!

3.  a rare evening off on a Tuesday due to the ice. I was feeling particularly tired, and was grateful to have a relaxed evening at home.

4.  yoga for the first time in 2013. It was hard, but felt so good to go back after the holidays. I wore my super duper warm down coat to get there. 


I hope you're all having a lovely week :)
 

 

Rescuing the dining table: part 1

We asked our landlord for a dining table, and this is what he had to offer:

 It's perfectly sturdy, and solid wood. It is a double drop leaf table and therefore can seat 6-8, not that we'd ever have that many people here! I took this picture with a flash to really show you how bad it was. The huge patches in the varnish and water damage. Lovely!

I had to hide this horrific table under a bed sheet because I had no table cloths. So there is a double remedy here; sanding the top down and re-varnishing it, and making a table cloth for it. On a very limited budget. 

I acquired a £8 tin of Ronseal quick dry indoor furniture varnish. The house next door put it out on the wall, and in Bristol certainly, there is a policy that if you put something out on the pavement by your house, it's free. We've offloaded lots of stuff this way, and acquired some awesome books and an £8 full tin of varnish!!

I bought some coarse sand paper, and a sanding block, and got to work: 

Not long after I started, I saw the massive difference, albeit the right side covered in fine varnish-dust. I kept sanding and sanding, covering the entire lounge in fine grain dust. We've killed our vacuum cleaner in the process (it was rubbish anyway!)

After some hard graft, waiting, vacuuming and then 2 coats of varnish and some more sanding, our borrowed dining table is radically improved:

Unfortunately, the table has permanent, deeper damage, probably from sitting in cold, damp storage for ages. Plus it has been neglected for a long time too. However, I'm no longer embarrassed by this table. It was such a state that I had to have something covering it. 


Total cost of the project so far:

Sandpaper: 90p (2 sheets coarse, 1 sheet fine)
Sanding block: £1.99
Ronseal varnish: Free

After all this work, I still wanted to make a tablecloth for the table, to help protect it, and have something washable to take off when it gets dirty. I want to show you that too, but I think I better split this rescue into two posts because otherwise it would be too long!


I'm so happy with how the table turned out, and feel so much better about the lounge now it has a decent table. Even though it's not perfect. I have to remember that this is not even my table, so I can't put too much effort/money into something that I won't be keeping! I hope the landlord will be pleased though, if he ever sees it. 


Have you done any super cheap budget projects lately that have had big results?


 

52 weeks of happy: 3/52

I'm back to share my simple, happy moments of this week (w/c 15th Jan).

Sand dunes of the Kalahari - SOURCE

1. Waking up to the snow on Friday, this was the view out of my lounge window at 7.30am. I love the orange glow. 

2. Watching David Attenborough's new series "Africa". It's wonderful to see all the species I've never heard of. Also, just David's voice is enough. Who doesn't love David Attenborough??

3. I made this table cloth at the weekend. Detailed instructions soon! 

4. I had a peaceful day on Sunday, but had plenty of energy to do some crafting. It was lovely. 


Hello new followers, welcome and thank you for reading and commenting. :)

 

A taste of clutter-free

I've not focussed so much on decluttering this week. I've taken a bit of a break from it, but in writing about it yesterday, I realised that the stress associated with the clutter hasn't been present this week. 

Instead, I've found the space within my mind to write, and to relax. I've been able to write spontaneously, and give more thought to my posts here and elsewhere. I didn't think of it at the time, but I'm certain that the shifting of a whole car load of stuff (200+ items) has facilitated the freedom that I've felt this week. 

This is my taste of clutter-free. The removal of the stress associated with owning too much stuff, constant frustration that everything is everywhere, all over the place. 

By removing physical belongings and freeing up space, I have savoured the space in both my mind and my physical environment. 

It feels great. There is a long way to go, but I'm grateful that I've been able to experience the freedom that decluttering allows so early. It motivates me to carry on.  

Toasty mittens

I started these over a year ago, Christmas 2011 and finished both but left the boring task of weaving in the ends until just before Christmas 2012. Finally, I can say that I am wearing them. Gosh they are toasty. 

They've come in very handy for the cold snap that we are going through now, with the snow today and general low temperatures. 

I made these from my favourite type of yarn; my grandmother's stash. I picked out some colours, and decided that I'd hold 2 strands together for extra thickness. 

They are a bit stiff, and the wool is of different weights, the grey mottled colour being a chunky weight and the two others are DK or lighter. Hence, I used 2 strands held together of both the blue and the red, and a single strand of grey. 

But, I don't mind. They are made with leftovers, which is what I love best - using what is already available, and creating something awesome.  I think they might be around 80% wool.

The pattern can be found on Ravelry, here.  

Some more photos, and a close up:

 

I wore them on the way to work this morning, and I am happy to report they are so warm that I even took them off because my hands were too hot!! 

I love them.

52 weeks of happy: 2/52

I'm back for week 2 of 52 weeks of happy, joining in with my friend Gillian, and Jen at little birdie, to share the simple joyful moments of this week:



 

♡  Sitting in my tidy lounge crocheting. Very peaceful indeed

♡  I sorted out one of our bookcases, and it’s delightful to look at now. It only has the most essential/beautiful things on it, and no clutter creep.

♡  Laughing with my friends in writing group. We made a light-hearted joke of things and it was lovely to be in that moment.

♡    I got awarded my tax credits, and that certainly helps the budget a bit.  


What are your happy moments from this week?


  

Liebster award

I have to say thank you to Claire at Just a little less for nominating me for this award. Thank you so much!

Here are the rules for the award:

"The Liebster Award is for bloggers with under 300 followers and the rules of the award is that the nominee must link back to whoever awarded them, write 11 random facts about themselves, answer the 11 questions from the award giver, and then nominate another 11 bloggers and make up 11 questions for them to answer. It's a great way for new and undiscovered bloggers to meet new people, get more followers and find some blogs that they want to follow."

Hmm 11 random facts about me:

1. I’ve never really like watching much TV, but have spent countless hours in front of it.
2. My secret dream is to own a farm and work outside. But other things feel more important right now.
3. I self-taught crochet, and all knitting techniques beyond knit and purl. Also patchwork.
4. I played the cello for 4 years, and would love to be able to play Tarantella by W.H. Squire on cello.
5. My favourite classes at school were home economics and woodwork.
6. I once asked my mum to drive me to my friend’s house across the road because I was too scared of being blown away in the blizzard outside. She said no haha.
7. My family live all over the place and two of my great-grandparents are still alive.
8. One day, I want to own a border collie. I love them.
9. I know how to count to 10 in Korean.
10. I’ve stopped being career-minded, and instead, I’m just enjoying the journey.
11. I wrote an essay on rejecting consumerism when I was 14 or 15. Coincidentally, 10 years later, I am an aspiring minimalist!



Now to answer the 11 questions from Claire:

1. I think I’d like to live in the 1950’s for the frugal living and the awesome outfits.
2. My style icon is probably Courtney Carver because she introduced the world to Project333! and now I have my own style which I like.
3. Favourite city is perhaps Sheffield in the UK or Barcelona. But I much prefer the countryside.
4. I don’t have a Kindle, but I like the idea, if the books were free. Real books are cheaper from the charity shop.
5. I’m scared of the dark sometimes, and wasps.
6. Favourite item of clothing would either be my skinny jeans or my brown leather boots
7. Musical guilty pleasure is David Guetta feat. Sia -Titanium, or some songs by Rihanna. Don’t tell my partner I am openly admitting liking Rihanna!! ha.  
8.  Neither. Lennon at a push perhaps.
9. I would be a dog. lots of cuddles and long walks outside.
10. Favourite mode of transport. I’ll have to say trains here. I don’t know, I just like them. Always have. too expensive these days. After that, my bike.
11. I text with one hand, and not very well. Thank goodness for predictive text!


I may have to stop here, and be a shameful spoil sport. I just don’t know many bloggers under 300 followers, and those I would nominate already have this award!

But to everyone who visits me here, thank you.

New series: 52 weeks of happy 1/52

I'm joining in with my friends in the blogging world, and starting a project called 52 weeks of happy.  I've followed my friend Gillian's posts in this project, and I thought I would have a go. Something to keep me on my toes. 

Each week, I'll be posting 4-5 simple things that have brought joy and happiness into my life. I don't take many photos when I'm out and about, so forgive me if these are not picture rich posts. All the same, I want to try it. 

So, here is my list for week 1, (w/c 1st January). 

 - a lovely walk on Brean Down with my partner. I was amused by these sideways-growing trees. The poor things have been battered by the wind off the west coast.

- I gave my good friend and writing partner an unexpected birthday present, something very simple, but something I'd thought out and knew she would like. The smile on her face when she opened it made my week. 

- We were desperate to move out, but suddenly, upon viewing another area, and discovering an absolute dump, we decided to appreciate the one we have now. I've got lots of things in mind for my flat, and we started with the lounge.  We bought a coffee table (7 months over due) and a little decoration to go with it. I hardly recognise it as my lounge anymore. And yes, I was embarrassed by how it looked before. This is a vast improvement!!

 

The ceiling is still dripping from the recent leak and ceiling collapse, hence the bucket. All the same, this is now our clutter free zone, and it's so peaceful to sit on the sofa now.

- Re-discovering the crafting bug. I've been crafting, and crafting, and crafting. I have lots to show you in the next few weeks!






I'm on a project/designing/crafting roll, and I'm so excited. 

  How was your first week of 2013?

Project 333 Season 2 list

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! 


First, a quick recap and thoughts on the Project.

I have completed one season of Project 333 and intend to continue for the forseeable future. This method agrees with me. I am happier as a result of it. 

Experiences of Season 1:

• I found the occasional boredom creeping in, with my lack of variety. Then I remembered that there is more to life than clothes, and the benefits far outweigh a little boredom. 
• I did add a couple of items along the way, bending the rules a bit, without rotating something else out. I will definitely rotate in/out this time, if it happens again. 
• I didn't include jewellery, and found that I haven't worn it at all, so I'm not including it this time. 
• I got excited about designing the new season, early December. Never has the idea of 'shopping'  from my wardrobe been so appealing. 
•  I stick by my decision to not include belts, because for me, they are part of the trousers. They never come off, or get changed. Therefore I don't class them as accessories. 

Lessons from Season 1:

• It is easier to choose what I'm wearing, because it all goes together. I'm not overwhelmed with too many choices. 
• I have found a style that I'm happy with, and all my clothing choices reflect this. I'm not trying to follow fashion or keep up with 4-week long trends that change constantly. I also don't care what others think about my clothes.
• I am happy living with 33 items, and feel good because I only wear things that I'm comfortable in. 

I got to work building Season 2, from my pile of staple clothing items. I almost found it hard to fill 33 slots on my sheet. I had a feeling I could live with even less if it came to it. 

Again, like Season 1, I've made a collage of all my clothing, and some potential outfit combinations. 

I reduced the number of shoes in my collection, because I just don't wear that many. I have work shoes that I keep at work, so they go in a similar category as work-out clothing. Same with the boots I cycle to work in. They don't get used for any other purpose. 

Here is a list of the items, from top left on the collage. The ones with asterisks * are new for Season 2.

1. Purple Berghaus waterproof jacket
2. Black warm coat
3. Pink lacy scarf
4. Blue cowl
5. Black wool shawl
6. Pure wool headband
7. Handbag
8. Black wool gloves* (the other ones got a hole in them)
9. Blue suede trainers
10. Brown leather boots
11. Long grey cowl jumper
12. Light grey button jumper
13. Thick black knit cardigan*
14. Purple "tracksuit" top*. I decided I wanted something super casual this season. 
15. Taupe knit top*
16. Blue floral dress top
17. Magenta long sleeve top*
18. Bright pink cardigan*
19. Black cardigan
20. Navy long sleeve top
21. GAP fuschia 3/4 sleeve top
22. Oatmeal long sleeve top
23. Black flowy t-shirt*
24. Dark blue t-shirt*
25. Black strappy top*
26. Cream/pink knit-tank*
27. Black work trousers
28. Black work trousers
29. Bootcut jeans
30. Skinny jeans
31. Grey tank* (not pictured)
32-33. 2 pairs Black leggings (not pictured)

Again, like last time, here are some possible outfits from the above items:

You'll notice that the bottom half of the grid stays much the same. I don't really mind having only two or three pairs of shoes, or limited options for trousers. I find it easier to mix and match outfits if I have variety for the top half, and with these items, I could create lots of different looks. 

Columns 1-2: typical work outfits
Columns 3-4: weekend/socialising outfits
Column 5: my super casual, comfy outfit. 

I managed to purge a few items from my maybe box, and I also realised that I have a lot of different colours stored away, most of which don't go together, or don't go with many things. 

*Confession* I went out at the weekend and bought a replacement pair of black leather flats, while they were on sale. I doubt my current ones (pictured above) will last another year (I've already had them for 4 years!) Here are my new shiny black flats:

This is the last purchase for at least 6 months. They were relatively expensive, but are great value if they last the same time as the others. I will only buy quality items from now on, that are likely to last.


I'm excited for what 2013 has in store, and it has got off to a great start already. 




P333'ers: what is your experience of building Season 2?
Others: would you consider this Project?