Downscaling

I don't make New Year resolutions, I've said it before, 

but I do have a few hopes for this year.

The big one is to sell our home, to downscale, still have enough bedrooms for the kids to have a space too, but by downscaling we will be afforded more freedom, from looking 

after this very old house of ours but also paying family bills for just us two!

With this in mind it is also time to scale back belongings, clothes, books, 

furniture, pots and pans - the list goes on.

 I am definitely not a hoarder, but things just *accumulate*.

It is also difficult to get the rest of the family to embrace scaling back!

 Last year I read a fabulous book - The Joy of Less by Francine Jay - then went through the house like a dose of salts, while everyone watched absolutely aghast.

The area I didn't get round to was clothes - so yesterday I hit my wardrobe!

Hooks on the side of my wardrobe hold jackets & gilets which are worn regularly.

Scarves are on a rail on the side of the wardrobe.

& bags on hooks inside the wardrobe door....

...along with belts.

Pile for charity...

 Boots for Ebay - see how they go - never sold shoes on Ebay before...

 Ebay for this lot!

 These are to try on, then decide....

So this is what went on Ebay (for now - more to go on next week!)

6 tops

3 belts

2 scarves

1 vintage suede jacket

1 poncho

1 pair trousers

1 cardigan

Who else is downscaling? Who has sold on Ebay before?Any tips to share?XX

Weekend Wanders

On Sunday I wandered over to my lovely friend Kate's house, to support a 

Charity Event combined with a jewellery party combined with a lets get together

 before the country goes mad in December afternoon!

Kate was raising money for North West Air Ambulance. 

Friends had made scrumptious cakes, there was a raffle and a wonderful lady was there to sell her bespoke jewellery. 

Very Kerry has just started to sell on Etsy and her jewellery is beautiful. 

So, so pretty and delicate, which I loved.

You can ask for any design you wish and Kerry will oblige.

Loved this - reminded me of Chinese pottery!

 Treat to myself! :-)

Cosy crochet scarf.

 Very Kerry @ work!

Designer lollipops! Nom, nom :-p

 & Cake...

 How cute is this Owl tea cosy? Had to include him!

 My Buys :-)

Thanks Kate for a wonderful afternoon!

What wandering have you done lately?

XX

Kindness

Kindness is the act or the state of being kind, being marked by good and charitable  behavior, pleasant disposition, and concern for others. 

It is known as a virtue, and recognized as a value in many cultures and religions. 

Research has shown that acts of kindness does not only benefit receivers of the kind act, but also the giver, as a result of the release of neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of contentment and relaxation when such acts are committed.

(Wikipedia)

I experienced the most random act of kindness yesterday.

Feeling Wholly Thankful.

XX

East Lancs Hospice

 With the help of family and friends I held a Charity Event last weekend for East Lancs Hospice, a charity very close to my heart.
 

 

On Sunday was the annual Tower Trudge walk - a 10 mile walk that comes along the bridleway outside my house.

I decided this would be a great opportunity to have a Coffee, Tea & Cake Stall, not just for the walkers but for cyclists and other people passing and family and friends who wanted to call by.
 

 
 

Friends and Family donated cakes or helped on what turned out to be the most glorious day. Loads of cakes and biscuits were laid out and a large water heater borrowed. We had a fabulous system with everybody working together.


 

How good do these Cup Cakes look?



We had entertainment, provided by my Pap and his piano accordion!



We even supplied plasters for blistered little feet - aaawww! *Too Cute*



Mountain Rescue took it in turns to call for a quick brew and slice of cake. The beautiful Springer Spaniel here is Bella - currently being trained as a Search and Rescue dog!





And horse riders stopped by to say hi - the horse is 'Flame' - absolutely gorgeous!


 

What was meant to finish around 2.00pm went on - last customers around 4.00pm!! Then it was BBQ time for all my lovely helpers who I am so grateful to - THANK YOU! XX

 

The final amount raised isn't in yet as a friend took some cakes to her art club, another to the College she works at and I took the remainder in to work.
 

When the bucket and collection box are opened I will let you know!

XX