2014: Not a bad year at Shoestring Cottage…

OK, so it’s not original, but I thought it would be interesting to look back over 2014 to see what we have achieved. This is where blogging is such a good hobby – I really enjoyed reviewing what is basically an on-line diary. We have had some trials and tribulations, but nothing that was insurmountable.

I started the year attempting to join in with the 52 projects challenge (dreamingofasimplelife.blogspot.co.uk). However, that was too ambitious. I simply don’t have time to do a project a week. Just getting the cleaning and shopping done at the end of a working week is challenging enough! In spite of that, we did manage to do a lot in the garden and decorate our awful shabby hallway. Mr Shoestring built a new shed from an old one we got from Freecycle and some scavenged wood, although he did have to buy the materials for the roof. We also had a very productive summer on the veggie patch and are still eating our preserved home grown food.

I started a new yoga class in January which is now going strong and we had several language students to help boost the household income.

We managed two holidays, which was amazing. A week in Tenerife (a first for me – accommodation courtesy of Mr S’s mum) and another in my cousin’s caravan in the Lake District. Completely different but both fantastic and rejuvenating. We also had a day at the Chelsea Flower Show for Mr S’s birthday – I loved that! We went as a family to see the commemorative poppies at the Tower of London and managed to do it before the crowds got too horrendous. It was an amazing spectacle and I am so glad we made the effort.

DD3 completed her GCSE’s and had her prom. She looked gorgeous – grown up and sophisticated.

I decided to give gluten free eating a go. I had spent a long time convincing myself that I didn’t need to, but feel so much better for it. I have had a few disappointing baking experiences though and the bread is horrible, but I can cope.

I spent several months fighting First Utility, who were trying to make me pay thousands of pounds that I didn’t owe them. Fortunately the Ombudsman got involved and decided in my favour. As a result I got a large pay out, which unfortunately was mostly spent on my car! If you look at the picture you will see the issue. We also had a leak into the roof which actually came through my bedroom ceiling. Fortunately Mr S managed to repair it without it costing thousands.

How has your year been? I hope it was happy and healthy and that your finances didn’t buckle under the strain! We are celebrating the New Year with friends and an Indian takeaway tonight. I will be back with my resolutions! Happy New Year and all the best for 2015!