A Little Treat

I've tried to curb my magazine habit this year as spending on them can really mount up. I used to subscribe to Gardeners World Magazine through Tesco Clubcard Deals, which wasn't too bad as it kept the cost down, but I found they weren't getting read as I just didn't have time, and also, the content is much the same from one month in one year to the same month in another year. I don't really read women's magazines, but I do enjoy craft and lifestyle magazines.

I've done really well and can't remember buying any magazines this year. Perhaps I did give in to temptation and bought a couple, but I really don't recall. I decided that I've done so well that a treat was in order, when I went shopping I thought I'd allow myself to pop one in the basket. The problem was, which to choose. I wanted something with a bit of everything in it, and as it's the December issue, I wanted something with some Christmas content. The shelves were stocked full, there was so much choice, but I eventually settled on Prima. The cover seemed to suggest that there's plenty in there about the festive season. At £2.99, it isn't one of the more expensive ones either.

I paid for my shopping, and then on the way out of the supermarket, I noticed a stand which contained a new magazine, Homemaker. It promised 'Creative ideas for your home' and seemed to be targeted at a wide audience - Making - Interiors - Stitching - Baking - Knitting & More. This is the very first issue. Hmmm, I've been good all year, so a quick detour to another till and this magazine was mine. It cost rather more than Prima at £4.99, but I don't know when I'll buy another magazine.

I haven't had chance to sit and have a proper read of it yet, but a quick flick through shows me that there's lots of things in there that I'd like to have a go at. Just look at these Christmas Biscuits, they look fab hanging from the tree with their pretty gingham ribbons, though I wouldn't be able to do that in our house as Archie would eat them all.

This issue of Homemaker came with a free Creative Christmas Source Book. Again, I've only had a quick flick through, but there's more projects in here, as well as fonts, labels, papers and art work to cut out and use for crafty makes.

I took a shine to this Paper Angel, she looks so easy to make, I'll have to give it a go.

So, I'm stocked up with plenty of magazines to read for a while, but I want to also mention Tesco Magazine. This is a free magazine and it's chock a block with all things festive. As you would imagine, there's plenty of advertisements for things you can buy in store, but there's also some interesting articles, lots of recipes and a heap of clever ideas and things to make. Definitely worth popping a copy in with your groceries if you happen to shop at Tesco.

I'm looking forward to putting my feet up, reading the magazines and attempting some of the projects.