January Reflections

Hi there, as January draws to a close I hope this dark, quiet month has been as pleasant as possible for you all. Contrary to the tradition of making resolutions and change at this time of year I think it's important to be kind to ourselves and brighten up our lives with small treats, pretty things and activities which bring us pleasure.

I've had a few classes cancelled this month so I used the extra time to indulge in some afternoon crafting, a few bright spells allowed me to do some more of my Parisian cross-stitch. I've been doing this cross-stitch for a long time as I only do small sections at a time and I find I need very good light for some of the colours.

When the light wasn't so good I made some more alphabet letters.

One of the small treats I've been enjoying is this Clover Yarn Cutter Pendant which was actually part of a Christmas gift from my sister. I got it in antique gold colour, it's really good and much better to carry around than scissors, it has happily cut everything from thread and fine cotton to DK acrylic very easily. I don't usually take my crochet out with me but feel much more inclined to now I can simply wear this pendant, I can't imagine not having it now.


In our family January included a celebration.

It's a birthday, my Mum's to be precise. This year celebrations were changed at the last moment due to this.

It snowed. This the viburnum I showed you in my Happy post, now dusted with snow. As the snow was heavier where my Mum lives and she is a little unsteady on her feet these days our planned lunch was hastily changed to coffee and cake at her house so she didn't need to go out.  

The letters are for a crochet project which has been in my head for a little while now, I made the letters up as I went along so I haven't written up a pattern for them yet. I also have another small crochet project I've been working on but as it is a gift for someone I must keep it under wraps for now. 

With all the storms lately plans have had to be flexible, we have cancelled this weekend's snowdrop walk thanks to high winds, heavy rain and hail. The last few days have definitely been ones for snuggling up indoors with some crochet or cross-stitch, hot chocolate and a film. I'll leave you today with something pretty.

These beautiful pink and white tulips I'd like to share with you, I couldn't resist them when I was out yesterday. I adore tulips, they brighten life up and will bring much enjoyment over the next few days. It's lovely to have flowers inside to brighten these winter days while I wait for the garden to wake up from it's winter slumber. I hope you enjoy these tulips too.

What has made you smile in January? Do you have any tips on how to make winter days brighter or anything you couldn't imagine doing without?

Til next time,

Hx