Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Everyone Needs a Hobby ....

Modern day life is so hectic ... rushing here, rushing there!  Traffic, crowds, hustle and bustle ... no wonder we are so exhausted at the end of the day.  Most people relax by couch potato-ing their way through a couple of hours of television after dinner.  That used to be me until I realised that it was such a monumental waste of time!  Winding down and getting ready for sleep is absolutely necessary but gluing yourself to the idiot box is definitely NOT the way to do it.  I am in the process of getting back into the habit of reading in bed before I go to sleep ... we took the TV out of the bedroom last night which was very exciting!  If you have read anything about the paleo/primal lifestyle you will understand why.  A completely dark bedroom with no electronic/technical interference ensures the best possible sleep and we had fallen into the bad habit of falling asleep watching a bit of TV.

As this is a year of monumental changes for me I decided it was time to ditch the TV as a form of mindless entertainment (not completely but drop it down the priority list significantly).  A couple of years ago I started quilting ... I taught myself using YouTube videos by Missouri Star Quilt Company for inspiration and guidance.  I made a few, I sold a few but, more importantly, I found something that I loved to do and that I found very relaxing (well, most of the time!).  Like with most things, I started off full of enthusiasm and slowly let life get in the way until I was hardly quilting at all.  So at the beginning of 2013 I decided to start quilting again regularly.  This is the quilt I am working on at the moment:


It's called "Hugs and Kisses" and the pattern is available for free download at www.allpeoplequilt.com. The blocks will be machine applique finished which is something I have never tried before so that will be fun!  I just adore the bright colours and the fact that you have to mix and match patterns which is something I struggle with.  I am loving the way it is looking so far!

I am also waiting on an order of supplies to begin making my own soap and lip balm.  Being a hippie, I am trying to make as much of my own consumables as possible.  So far I have made and am using my own homemade shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant and body wash and they are awesome!  I am hoping to be able to make lots of homemade goodies for presents for family and friends ... giving the gift of a smaller carbon footprint, gotta love that!

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