In May last year I decided to change the way we frivolously spend money on clothes, toys and home furnishings, not because we couldn't afford to, but basically because I could never find anything I TRUELY liked, it was always out of necessity for the item rather than because I deep down fell in love with it!


I threw myself headlong into the task and snubbed everything I 'liked' I found on the High Street.  At first it was very rose tinted lenses and I thought that I could recreate EVERYTHING we would normally buy.

I’ve done exceptionally well with the girls clothes, they haven't had anything new for almost a full 12 months now apart from underwear and shoes.


What I have learnt most of all about this is that children aren't bothered if someone has loved it before or that Mummy has made it because if that is the case, they love it even more!! They have some beautiful vintage pieces I've picked up for pennies, hand knitted jumpers and cardigans that would have cost a fortune on the High Street, they are also proud to have found their own style! They have also loved being more involved in what they wear and how they look which is truly inspiring.

I also haven't done too badly at all, only buying a winter coat, a jumper and a pair of jeans brand new.   I even made my birthday dress and upcycled some old brogues into Dorothy slippers!! Now those you definitely can't buy on the High Street.

However,  the down side is that I can no longer just shop, I can never find anything that (A )fits properly or (B) I like on the High Street and I now rely on ebay and any patterns I can pick up for a few pounds.  I do love this though, it is really bringing my inventiveness out and even though I only have a few outfits it really doesn't bother me in the slightest.  I look forward to creating more handmade pieces for this year, especially 1950’s cut dresses for the summer!


We also haven't bought anything for the home.  Apart from 2 brand new shelves, everything has either been recycled from other rooms or has not been unused for years.   Any furniture we've had to get, I got it from charity shops, including the bureau for my work.

I do however throw my hands up now and admit that we haven't really cut back on take-outs.  I haven’t cooked and baked more, but now the hubby only takes homemade lunches to work which is great!

I would recommend the process to anyone that feels they want to 'downsize' their mind and life or just feel they fancy a challenge, you won't regret it!

I have no intention of going back to how we lived before, the girls want for less and I find it really rewarding.

If you would like to read all about how I got on at different stages throughout the process, you can find it starting here...