I wanted to start this post with a couple of up-beat items :) I saw this part work in the newsagent and couldn't resist it. For 99p you get a decent size piece of Aida fabric, 6 lots of embroidery thread and 6 needles as well as some instructions and ideas. I won't be buying any subsequent mags as they become more expensive (and addictive) as they progress but this is a real bargain. I really want to try a bit of cross stitch this year and this is the cheapest way to do it.....
O2 Priority Moments have come up trumps again; this time with a code for a FREE can of de-icer from Halfords. I had none left so that's £2 saved, thank you O2 :)
Time now to do the sums for the year so folder and notes ready.....
The Verdict
It seems we do not have surplus funds after all :/ We would have done if we hadn't had an unexpected bill for ground rent to pay before the end of December; over £1700 worth...eek. We hadn't expected OH to have to give up the post of Warden this year so hadn't put the money away. It has wiped out our surplus (which would have been around £500) as well as our contingency fund. Looking on the bright side we are not in debt so .....onwards and upwards.... This weekend will see me eBay-ing like a mad woman to get back some cash in our contingency fund for February.
I have listed potential outgoings for 2017 with an uplift of around 5% as I think prices will be increasing throughout the year until they find their own level after Brexit. The total has been divided by 12 to give the monthly figure we have to leave in the account to cover the bills. As I said before, our food budget will not be increased and I will be trying not to spend it all, as it's one place where we may have 'wriggle room'. It will be FUN! (insert a cheesy grin emoji)
Once upon a time I used to enter loads of competitions and won a few lovely prizes (never any money though) but a couple of weekends away and oddments too. In 2017 I am going to rekindle my interest on comping but not by post (too expensive) just online entries and hope for something nice :)
Do you enter comps? Any nice wins lately? Do tell!
Take care everyone, thank you too for all your encouraging comments on my last post. Thanks so much for popping in x
Good luck with your comping Angie, it has always been an on and off hobby for me, but 2017 I am going comping crazy, lets hope we both have some lovely wins xx
ReplyDeleteThat would be lovely wouldn't it. Good luck! X
DeleteNice way to try cross stitch without spending too much, good thinking by you. I would be useless at competitions, but I hope you do well.
ReplyDeleteThank you x
DeleteAs long as the Aida is good quality that's a good buy but beware the threads as only DMC and Anchor are decent and separate properly, ( sorry to be a downer but don't want you to be be put off cross stitch by rubbish threads!)
ReplyDeleteOoh, I wouldn't know a good piece of Aida if it bit me! I see what you mean about the thread though. Anyway, I'll give it a whirl. Thanks for the tip x
DeleteGood luck with the competitions, its a nice way to have a bit of fun without spending money.
ReplyDeleteI live in hope! Thank you.
DeleteI think you're right that prices seem to be creeping up a bit at moment. Good luck with the Comps. Jx
ReplyDeleteThank you Jan x
Deletei operate the 5 comps a day rule just the easy online stuff , nothing grand , tiny little foodie wins mainly . though i did a whole day before xmas ....lol...we shall see
ReplyDelete