Alrighty, let's begin! Let's assume you've already decluttered, but if you're still in the thinking-about-it stage, get started this week, or today, or right now! I know that might sound glib because decluttering can be a difficult thing to do, but if you are interested in this I hope you'll do some research or talk to friends who have done it to get some guidance and encouragement. I have never once regretted one thing I have purged from my home during my year long decluttering process. Now, the thing about decluttering and deep cleaning, with decluttering you'll notice a difference right away, and it's awesome, but with deep cleaning, your room might not look that much different because deep cleaning is mostly about getting the hidden dirt and dust that can cause allergies to flare and spiders to flourish. In the end, a good deep cleaning is well worth it. I've finished my bedroom and I do have one tip: In each room I clear off all the flat surfaces and shelves. I've been dusting the knick knacks all year but once a year I'll take them to the sink for a good wash. I live with those empty shelves for a bit and when it's time to replace the items, I am very particular about what I put back. Does it all need to go back on the shelves or are there some things that can be purged? How much stuff do I really want to dust and manage?  Same thing when you empty the drawers and cupboards for cleaning. Does it all need to go back? Are there some things you don't love or don't use? Be selective about what you put back and donate the rest now. For all my past decluttering work, every year I still do a little more. I'm always interested in hearing your declutter stories. Please comment and tell me where you are in this journey. 

Knitting: I've finished a few things and one thing I can show is this 27 Color Snood by Bobbi IntVeld.  Mine has only 13 colors because I used what I had on hand and was able to save a little money. You can purchase the kit here. It's easy to wear and looks great, more like a capelet to me as I always thought a snood was something you wore in your hair. Whatever you call it, it keeps me cozy warm and is a good shape for a basic capelet. I'll have some modeled pictures soon.

The next picture shows the Chevronopolis Scarf by Maxim Cyr of Les Garcons in progress. It's fabulous to knit and uses the mosaic technique which is a colorwork technique that uses slipped stitches, and while it is easy enough, the pattern does take a bit of concentration until you get the gist of it, then it's fairly easy sailing. Here is my Ravelry page.