An Eclectic Mix

I popped down to Basildon this morning for the first time in what seems like ages and came home with an extremely eclectic mix of things.

Pickings were slim in the charity shops but I did manage to find a new rotary cutter.  I've seen a lot of people talking about these on various craft blogs so for 75p I thought I'd give it a go.  The blade looks a bit vicious to me and I'm not sure how I'll get on with it but other people seem to swear by them for cutting good straight lines - we'll see.  At the 'Bargain Box' I found a humungous piece of houndstooth material which is rather pleasing to the eye.  I bought it thinking it would be good for winter-weight bags but I'm also wondering about cushion covers with a felt embellishment.  Again, we'll see!!

I also went into Wilkinson's and purchased some stick-on insulating tape for the back door and the french windows.  I'm not sure I've bought quite enough but at least it will be a start.  I also bought a pack of foam pipe insulators.  These are really light and long and I'm hoping to be able to use them at the bottom of the french windows to cut down on the howling gale that blows along there.  They're not exactly pretty, being a very boring dark grey colour, but come the winter I hope they'll be draft-effective.

The lure of a Hoi-Sin Duck Wrap from Marks and Spencers was just too strong, so I called into the food hall where I found they had 'buy one get one free' on their bottled sauces - all with a really good use-by date - which made them quite a bargain.  I bought two jars of korma sauce and two of cheese sauce.  I know the cheese sauce is a bit lazy but it's the type of store cupboard item that is really useful to have about.

Good job I had ye olde shopping trolley with me, I don't usually bother with it when I go to Basildon, but today it really was useful.

Comments

[sharie]

I've always fancied a rotary cutter myself but never found one cheap enough. Looks like a good little buy.
BTW I'm a new trolley convert ;-)

[Maureen]

Ah, the shopping trolley. You can get stacks of stuff in them . I used to have a red tartan one and some people would snigger. The very ones who wouldn't think twice about having luggage on wheels with a long handle. what's their problem?!
Post a photo of the trolley,please.

[Frugal Trenches]

Oh don't get me started on M&S I love the food hall - good thing I don't have one near me!!

Shopping Trolley? When I've reached my goals and am able to buy something, it's first on the list. I quite like the crafty and colourful ones!

[Wendy]

So pleased you had a good day in Basildon. The things you bought look very useful. The stick-on insulating tape sounds just what we need for our front door. Keep us posted as to whether it seems to work.
Am also interested in the material and wonder how you will decorate it in either bag or cushion cover form. Will be watching future posts with interest.

[Sharon J]

I love shopping trolleys, although there are some people who shouldn't have them - those who think it's ok to just run over your feet with them. That's when I usually swear.

[Claire]

You'll love the rotary cutter - I treated myself to one with some of the Etsy proceeds at Christmas, and it made short work of cutting out 300 bunting flags - managed to do it in 2 hours. Just remember to keep checking the blade, and when you do need to replace it, shop around as they vary widely in price. I am glad it's not just me that takes my shopping trolley around with me.x