Well here we are at the start of another new year. At the end of 2012 I did I bit of a review of the year and concluded that despite some pretty major set backs there had still been plenty of good times and I felt ready to start 2013 feeling happy and positive and ready for change. Perhaps my expectations were set too high but 2013 never quite cut the mustard. The changes never happened and I felt stuck in a rut in addition to which we have faced more challenging times as a family.
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Of course there has been plenty going on... mostly baking when I look back over the year. I came in the top three of a baking competition with my chocolate cake only to come crashing down in the next round with my sponge that was too spongy! Perhaps I will try again in 2014? After all I do have that new shiny red mixer!
I've done plenty of knitting... although the pictured cardigan is back off the needles once more as I attempt to get the tension right.... maybe I'll finish it in 2014?
And of course there has been lots of embroidery... always lots of machine embroidery and there will no doubt be plenty more of that in 2014.
But overall it has been a difficult year that has felt more down than up. So I'm reluctant to make predictions for the coming year and despite the overwhelming temptation to make resolutions I am resisting and shall take one day at a time as I strive for more clarity and order in my life!
So I will start the year with my gift to you... my 1000th post giveaway. So many good friends left me comments and I truly wished I could make something for all of you, but alas that is not possible and there can only be one winner.
And the first name out of the bowl was actually also the very first comment from simplesuffolksmallholder who requested a notebook. It will be a pleasure to make and will be on its way very soon.
I'll confess that the giveaway was also a bit of market research... to see which items I make are the most popular and what sort of images/words you might like the best. Notebooks and aprons definitely came out on top!
So my first plan of the year is to make more of both and fill up my shop so even if you didn't win you will have the opportunity to buy. And if you are really disappointed I am always happy to accept commissions... you only have to ask!
I hope your days are happy and healthy in 2014 and may your wishes come true.
Congratulations to the winner and have a wonderful 2014!
ReplyDeleteMany congratulations to the lucky winner.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and yours a happy and healthy 2014, Gina.
xx
This horrible rainy/windy weather has put a downer on the first day of the new year, but let's hope things can only improve.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the winner of your give away, I'm sure they'll be thrilled.
Good wishes for the New Year, Gina. I don't think it's easy to make the transition from one year to the next if you've had difficult times in the year past, as you have. Taking one day at a time seems a good idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever way to do your market research. I for one will be keeping a close eye on your etsy shop.
Happy New Year Gina. 2013 seems to be a year many are glad to see the back of,myself included. Fingers crossed for 2014.
ReplyDeletePoo never mind, will keep an eye out
ReplyDeletein your etsy shop. I really hope 2014 is a much better year for you.
( and others). Take care
Congratulations to the winner! Wishing you a healthy and peaceful 2014. Taking one day at a time is a good idea- life seems to be full of ups and downs, but it is often the little moments that are good to treasure.x
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the lucky winner! :)
ReplyDeleteI think taking one day at a time is the best resolution there is, however you definitely should enter more baking competitions. I would love to be sitting at home rooting for you on the GBBO! :)
Happy New Year Gina!!!
V xxx
I do hope 2014 will be a better year for you and your family. I didn't think much of the two previous ones myself. Congratulations to your lucky winner and good luck with your Etsy shop and the new shiny red food mixer.
ReplyDeleteSome years are like that, where, looking back, you have to dig around to find the good bits. So here's to clarity and order in 2014. And many more cakes, of course. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the Suffolksmallholder!
ReplyDeleteI hope that 2014 is a fantastic, healthy and stress-free year for you and your loved ones GIna, you deserve it xx
I hope this year is better for you Gina. I gave up making resolutions years ago they only add extra pressure that we don't need, I just try and do my best and carry on regardless. x
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Gina! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the winner. Wishing you all that you wish for, for 2014.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Gina - hopefully 2014 will turn into a much better year for you all xx
ReplyDeleteHope that 2014 will be a wonderful one for you. Congrats to your winner.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the winner!! Happy new year to you and your family and anyone else reading this.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your winner and I wish you every success with your production of more notebooks and aprons. I hope that as you go along through 2014 that life gets better for you and the rough times fall away. xx
ReplyDeleteI hope this new year brings you plenty of happy surprises and lots of inspiration and peace, Gina! I am very glad I found your inspiring blog in the last part of 2013 and look forward to seeing your latest creations as this year unfolds.
ReplyDeleteWarmest wishes,
Stephanie
May 2014 be a better year for both of us!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gracious and kind way to do your market research, and you know that the answers are honest and sincere.
Happy new Year - may 2014 be a kinder year to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThat cake was spectacular, I hope that you will enter the competition again now that you have your sparkly new red mixer.
ReplyDeleteDid you not knit a tension square???
Let's hope for a happy, creative 2014 and a good one for all our families.
ReplyDelete