So I have been reading blogs full of resolutions, plans and goals for the coming year. They are all wonderful, exciting and full of promise. The underlying theme is to simplify and choose things that will actually get accomplished. I am like everyone else - within a few weeks my resolutions lose there luster and while many things get done, much of it gets “selectively” forgotten for more fun things.

For instance, I have never lost the additional 30 pounds I gained with my 1st child almost fourteen years ago. Every year I swear I will lose the weight but...

So this year in my quest for elegance...

I am going to do all of my goals for 2010 this week. Yes, you read correctly! I am not going to fall prey to temptation and give up by January 15th because I will be done! YEA! No, I am not including the insane attempt to weigh 115 pounds in that list because come on... how realistic is that anyway?  I’m fine the way I am and I can do 50 push ups so hey I must be doing something good enough. :)

1. 1.Overhaul the Pantry: Done! It took 7 straight hours but it’s a thing of beauty!
   

2. 2.Clean, label and overhaul the cellar contents: Done! 9 hours and I can actually see everything that is down there, there are walkways and the floor is clean.
   

3. 3.Clean and organize the schoolroom/studio: Monday
   

4. 4.Write a new business plan: I lost the former one when my computer crashed last year. My first BP that I wrote in the 90’s took me 6 weeks, the next two in the early 00’s I widdled down to 4 weeks, the first Bee Wise Bags plan took 2 weeks, so I am shooting for 2 days on this one. Tuesday & Wednesday...
   

5. 5.Write the planting season schedule and make my garden tour plan, order seeds and ready the greenhouse: Thursday
   

6. 6.Organize the second semester of school for my kids to start on Monday: Friday
   

7. 7.Wipe down and clean out all the kitchen drawers and cupboards: Saturday
   

8. 8.Day of rest: Sunday
   

Thats it... I’m done for the year, now I will not feel like I gave up and everything else I do will be extra credit!!!

Now on to something fun...

Altered Wool Skirt

Step One: Find a women’s wool skirt at a thrift store, or ask around. The one in the photo came from a woman who didn’t want it and knew I would do something with it. I had my mom felt it in the washer. It shrunk to fit my 10 year old perfectly.

Step Two: Cut out funky circles, zigzag them in layers onto the skirt.

Step Three: I used three strands of crewel yarn to sew stems and leaves.

Voila... super cute, free (almost) and upcycled for your wearing pleasure!