Happy New Year.

Happy New Year! Today is the first day of the new financial year in Australia.

I thought today would be the perfect date to take my first steps towards a simpler life.

I have been reading Rhonda's Down to Earth blog for many months now, and have been taking peaks here and there at other readers blogs, who have committed themselves to living a more simple life. What I love about Rhonda's blog is that she does not set out 'rules' about how to lead a simple life. She instead says that a simple life is unique to each person and their situation, and what some of the changes are that they can make. Big or small, all are valued.

So, here I am making the pledge to live a simpler, more mindful life. I am excited and nervous about this commitment. I know I will have successes and failures as I try to make the changes to my life that will help me make this a reality.

I have spent time identifying the skills I already have that I can use:

* Sewing

* Cooking

* Gardening

I will make use of these in the following ways:

1) I am making the pledge here and now that I will not buy a single piece of clothing for the next six months - I will have to make any clothes I want instead! The exception being undies, singlets (yes I wear singlets) and stockings. The rest I will make! It is just too easy as a 25 year old girl living in Sydney to go to the massive shopping centres and pick up 'bargains' on sale that I do not really need. I'll admit that I am so guilty of this - going into brand name shops and buying a piece on sale just because it is cheap. Not because I actually need it. Six months might not sound like a long time to others, but to me its a big but hopefully achievable goal.

Two changes of season. 26 pay cheques. 183 days. I can do it!

So, if I do want a new piece of clothing, like some skirts for summer, or some spring dresses, I will have to source the fabric, design the pattern (or use one I have already) and actually MAKE the clothes.

2) I will make more homemade foods. I am actually already pretty good at this. I am not the kind of person who buys frozen or pre-made meals for dinners regularly, and we don't have take-away that often. What I am talking about is taking the time and effort to actually make bread, yogurt, jams and biscuits instead of buying them.

3) I will grow seasonal vegetables and maintain a herb garden. I am still waiting for my first round of vegetables to be ready in my garden. My friend Mel gave me an awesome potted herb garden a few months ago, and all the plants have either been used up or have gone to seed. I want to replant this pot as it was just the perfect size and shape for a balcony herb garden!

Now the skills I want to learn:

1) How to use my overlocker. I want to find a place that gives actual lessons on how to use these, as I am sure there is a better way to use mine than I currently am (plus I need to learn how to adjust the tension correctly)!

2) Knit dishcloths. I am ok at knitting, and would love to find a free online pattern for a dishcloth using basic knitting stitch - any suggestions???

3) I want to establish more environmentally friendly cleaning methods. I want to actually learn how I can use environmentally friendly materials to clean my house. I know there has been a lot written about this, and I am sure I can look it up online, but I have not yet, so hence this is a goal.

I will continue blogging about my progress, and I am sure my skills/goals list will continue to grow.

First steps!

Sam xox