cran·ber·ry
1. A mat-forming, evergreen shrub (Vaccinium macrocarpum) of eastern North America, having pink flowers and tart, red, edible berries.
2. The berries of this plant, used in sauces, jellies, relishes, and beverages.
cot·tage
1. A small, single-storied house, especially in the country.
2. A small vacation house.
cran·ber·ry cot·tage
1. A tiny house in the woods in the north of Holland.
2. Peace, quiet, paradise.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

New year.....new vignettes.....new goals.....


The holiday season is long behind us and a new year is settling in. Did you have a nice Christmas and New Year? 


Jos and I have set a goal for the new year. We are going to declutter in a big way. We set a goal for 2015 to declutter 15 items each month from our home. When I say declutter, I do not mean reorganizing but de-owning. We started with the holiday season since we had time on our hands to list many things for sale on a Dutch version of eBay. Last weekend, we totted up what we sold and 12 items have gone so far bringing a total of 135 euros back into our wallets. Funny, we had a hard time remembering everything for the list I just made so that means we really did not need the things if we already are forgetting them. Jos also did a clear out and took 16 things to recycle and donate to the thrift shop. It is not stopping there since we have people coming to pick up more items this and next week. So far our count is up to 28 items de-owned and 4 more should be gone by the end of the month. 


I am also trying to rethink how I can keep my seasonal decorating which I love doing but keeping it more simple and organizing items this year as I use them. I decorated the large bread board Jos made me (see first two photos of this post) with a winter feel using lace, ice skates, taupe pot and pinecones. I could not help but add a pot of pink hyacinths though! It is a dreary winter here with spring temperatures and autumn gale force winds so a little bright feeling with bulbs cheer us up was just the thing. We still do hope for a snowflake or two to show up in the coming month...who knows...


A love of cloches has evolved into a good number of them in our home. So this year, I want to change them each month to reflect the season. For winter, three are standing on my sideboard with snow, pine trees, snowmen, an ornament and even some mice playing in the snow. Take a closer look by enlarging all the photos. 

Have you set any goals for the new year or decided to make some changes?

Heidi

8 comments:

  1. I'm sure I could get rid of most of my stuff and still not make a dent. Unfortunately I do not have the energy it takes to do it. Have fun. Don't put Jos in the pile lol. Love you mom

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  2. Wauw, goed voornemen!!!!
    Succes!!!!

    Groetjes, Silvia.

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  3. I've been on a decluttering frenzy since last year! Yes, it's taking me that long. My basement is the worst as it's a big storage area and we've lived here 26 years and accumulated way too much stuff. I've been chipping away at it and donating monthly. I just listed some things for sale on a local Facebook page, but nothing has sold yet. Some more valuable vintage things, I will be taking to a consignment shop. Love your cloches and winter scenes under them - beautiful!

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  4. Love those cloches and the adorable scences inside. I really need to get rid of things but don't have the energy for it at this point. I've decided that will be one of my first tasks of retirement. At least 4 years away.

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  5. I always love your seasonal vignettes Heidi, and I collect cloches too. As for de-cluttering, yes that's our project this New Year. I know we should put a lot of our stuff on eBay but I'm not sure I can be bothered. My daughter sells everything there and even has a little gift shop on eBay but I don't think its for me. The trouble is our garage is getting chock a block with all our clutter which will either go to a charity shop or maybe a car boot sale in the Spring. P x

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  6. I am decluttering too, Heidi. most has gone to a collection for a charity shop, but there is more to come.

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  7. This is so interesting. I'm very impressed with what you're doing. You'll feel light as air!

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  8. Love this idea!! I might just have to talk to Ron about trying something like this!

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