Looking back...

As 2012 draws to a close, we looked back on changes we had made towards our goal of simplifying.

The winner was..

Cancelling our cable TV subscription.

Never big TV fans, we chose to ditch the TV and the monthly cable bill.

The house is less cluttered without those big ugly TV's and

our pocketbook is fuller without the big ugly bill.

We haven't missed it at all.

and something else we did a few years ago was

this..

We paid a one-time up-front fee.

So no monthly bill.

Because, well, life is just better commercial-free.

What did you do to simplify in 2012?

On the needles

The holiday rush has subsided.

So I've finally been able to squeeze in some "me" knitting.

These fabulous fingerless mitts from Quince and Co. my new favorite yarn company!

The pattern is very well written and the yarn is sooooo soft and squishy.

They're almost done.

I can't wait.

This is an in-progress newborn hat for my sister-in-law's nephew and his wife.

Big Washington Redskins fans.

Now all I have to do is design and add...

this

Oiy.

It's going to be quite the challenge.

What do you have on your needles?

♥ Martha

Holiday goodies

We chose to make homemade goodies as most of our holiday gifts this year.

Less hassle, less shopping, more yummy goodness.

The Peppermint Bark has been my go-to staple for awhile now.

This is not that sickening-sweet-only-kids-can-enjoy-it stuff.

Oh no.

The decadent dark bittersweet chocolate center, laced with a bit of peppermint extract, elevate these squares to sublime melt-in-your-mouth adult minty-ness.

A bit more work than the other type.....but oh so worth it.

The Fudge Bars were a trial run this year.

They definitely made the cut for a repeat performance next year.

Don't skimp on the coarse salt on top.

It's what gets them that savory, sugary, crunchy, salty "wow" response with every bite.

What yummy things did you bake this year?

Simple Decorating

This year we're attempting to keep the holiday season simple and stress free.

So far so good............

It's still early though.

As December approached, the holiday decorating that loomed ahead just felt like "work" to us.

We think too much work is a really bad thing.

So we chose to do a lot less decorating this year than usual.

Believe it or not, our bathroom wall.....

I have well over 100 Santas.

This year less than 20 made it down from the attic.

No ornaments at all let Jeff's handmade twig star really "shine".

A pine cone wreath made from our own "homegrown" pine cones.

A few mini lights and greens fill that totally useless 7" above the cupboards.

Natural finds from the yard make a quick window treatment.

Let's pretend you don't see the ugly paved driveway.

For us, the end result was.....

Less really is more.

Wishing you a happy, and stress free, holiday.

♥ Martha

Welcome

Hi and welcome to the Fiddlestyx blog.  I'm Martha and I live on beautiful Cape Cod with my husband Jeff.  I design knitting patterns and Jeff is a wetland scientist.  Together we are trying to create a life that is simple and full.  I like to knit, garden and cook.  Jeff  likes to tinker and build things.  We both love the outdoors, hiking, camping, and canoeing.  With this blog, I hope to share a little bit of that with you and, in the process, help to bring a greater simplicity, harmony, and peace to all our lives.  Stop back often and join us won't you?