Happy new year and all the best for 2019!
We went with our daughter to friends last night, and I did not drink anything alcoholic. First time in a long time, and had a really lovely time. Cluedo, sing star, watching the London fireworks on the BBC. My friend makes the most fabulous homemade pizza, so it was all really quite fab.
I was hoping today, I'd wake up raring to go, but the cold and cough I felt I was starting with has now developed. As we don't seem to have any tissues I have succumbed to Christmas themed paper napkins (bought long before I ever thought of reducing waste). Zero waste alternatives? Can you even get hankies anymore?
My ten year old has been going for sewing lessons once a week for the last couple of months. They are brilliant, an hour and a half for £10 including materials, and she loves it. As such, her grandparents have bought her a sewing machine for Christmas. Maybe that could be something she could make for me?
I have never learnt any sewing skills although my nana was an amazing sewer and knitter. It was great as she'd alter things for me, and even sorted us out with curtains when we got our first home. I wish I'd appreciated her talents more, and took the opportunity to learn. I'm wondering whether to save for a few lessons myself, as seeing and hearing about some of the great things being made is very inspiring.
Nonnadiluca
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I make reusable produce bags from old net curtains, have done for the last few years. Advantages: they weigh almost nothing: the checkout operator can see what's inside: you can just pop them in the washing machine: NO PLASTIC!! I get loads of positive comments about them and give lots away. They are the easiest thing in the world to make - sew a channel at the top to thread string/ cord through, sew up the sides and you're done. I cut the fabric with pinking shears so no extra sewing to stop them fraying. If everyone used them, think how many plastic bags wouldn't be made. Please have a go, it doesn't matter if they're not perfect!
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That is fab, and repurposing
Thriftwizard
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Now the "kids" are all young adults we've stopped the stockings (by agreement!) and adopted the Icelandic Jolabokaflod instead, whereby everyone gets a book and chocolate. I made drawstring bags for the books out of old shirts with a glittery thread for the girls and the legs of OH's old jeans for the lads & OH. These were then glitzed up with bits of old Christmas decs - unused baubles & bits of plastic greenery & tinsel, sort of thing, all wrapped in florists wire & pinned on. They looked rather lovely, if I say so myself, and with the decorations unpinned can be used for muddy boots, make-up or whatever.
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So many lovely ideas, I particularly like this one, I haven't heard of that before.
Grey queen
Re the cost of things, I get frustrated by the fact it is expensive to cut waste at the moment, or as you have pointed out with the celery, to buy British over food that has travelled many miles. You have the right idea with your allotment, must be very satisfying too, eating food you have produced yourself! Again, skills I wish I had took the time to learn.
I am excited about the year ahead. It is so lovely to have a place now to share baby steps and get ideas and inspiration

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As for today, it is time for all the Christmas decorations to be put away, and then round to my mums for the rest of the day. Whatever you are doing today, have a wonderful time.
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