Some people really don't like this time of year, which is understandable, but I rather like it. To me, a new year is like a fresh page of a new notebook. Time to start all over again and to forget about past mistakes or unhappy times. Do you make New Year Resolutions? And then do you break them all, one by one?! I used to, but now I write myself a list of things that I would like to do. Changes I want to make, things I don't want to forget. I keep it light and frothy and fun. The way I see it, you're more like to stick to something fun than something dull and tedious. It's more of a Reminder List. I found my list from last year and thought I'd show it. I must just say upfront that the good health of my family and friends is Always uppermost in my mind, and those of you who have known me since w-a-a-a-y back will understand why I don't go into details here. It's the one thing that everyone wishes for, so it doesn't need to be written down in a list. No, I prefer my list to be frivolous and make me smile when I read it. 
I cut out one or two that were about my Gorgeous Girl, but suffice to say they were about her happiness and wellbeing. The thing about my yearly lists are that they rarely change. I am rather pleased to announce that I have stuck to it pretty well. Apart from having my hair cut more than twice a year and dyeing it. I look like Rapunzel with a smattering of grey, so that needs to be addressed. Neither have I managed to be 'glamorous at all times', but I live in hope.
I took down a few more Christmas decorations today. I just have two trees, the lights on the kitchen cupboards and the outdoor lights to put away now. It won't take too long to do on Sunday. In readiness of the new year, I changed the bedsheets. I can tell that I am ready to remove Christmas from my choice of pillow cases. Gone are the dark reds and greens that I had with the floral cases, instead they are replaced with pale greens and whites. (Yes, I really do have this many pillows on the bed, but I only sleep on two.)
So, for 2010, along with more or less the same as the list for 2009, I intend to ...Carry on with the Good Work of having ruffles, frills and satin bows in the house.
This is a skirt I bought for Gorgeous Girl the other day. I'd looked at it before Christmas but decided it was a tad on the pricey side. Half price in the sale was much more like it! See? If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. Gorgeous Girl wore it for Granny's 85th Birthday Lunch, and looked fabulous. (I should add that it's hubby's mum who was 85, my Mum would go bonkers if I didn't let readers know that she is not in her 80's!)
And planning ahead for when it doesn't fit anymore, it will make an excellent lampshade cover. Don't tell her, but I've already tried it out! 
I'd love a jaunt to Harvey Nicks, even though I doubt I'll get the chance to zip into London. 
(The husband took this for me on the 1st December, from his taxi. Had I been in there, I'd have opened the door and dived into the shop!) I am going to use this new purchase as a guide to help change our food habits for the better..
..but still intend to continue my quest to be able to bake beautiful treats, with these new purchases. 
Giving the house a shabby chic/vintage look will be ongoing. As will bedecking both home and myself with sparkly shiny things!
Scented candles will always be apparent. This is the selection the husband has brought back for me today (I requested them to be floral). 
He also bought this one for me, which I can't praise enough. The smell is simply amazing. 
But most of all, I intend to continue enjoying each day, my husband, our little girl, and life in general.
Cheers to you! I raise my glass and wish you peace, joy, health and happiness, and all the very best for 2010.
