Budget Wars - A New Hope (with apologies to George Lucas)

Afternoon All

OH is officially off sick today. He has been struggling on all week whilst WFH but he didn't get much sleep so he's called in sick. I had to do a job first thing so cycled over early and sorted that out, was back by 9. DD and I went out for supplies, leaving OH to nap and DS to pottering.
It was heaving in Mr S, the atmosphere seems to be really ramping up now. Lots of people looking miserable with trollies piled high. I did appreciate the member of staff who came and spoke to us and waggled her festive headwear at DD. I know they've been briefed to do it but she seemed genuine.
We came out with 5 birthday cards at 49p each, which covers all the late December, whole of January birthdays we have. Pizza for tea, lazy but easy I think the saying goes. Some canned soup, one with 5p off due to a dent. Tinned basics peaches for DS who loves them, frozen raspberries too, he eats them like sweets. Loaf of bread, milk, bag of chips. Oh and own brand cream crackers. We go through those like no one's business too.

Came home, DD napped on the way back. Found 2p roadkill. OH decided to come down and get in his sleeping bag to watch a movie. Did the 3 of us soup and toast, with toast and cucumber for DD. Since then have pottered about hanging out the washing, packing away the dry clothes, washing up and sticking the DW on.

I managed to wrap three gifts whilst DD napped. I am very stingy with wrapping paper. Apart from the presents from Santa which have to look nice, all of the family gifts are wrapped in reused paper saved from DS's birthday and some from last Xmas. DD is just going to rip it all off anyway so so no point in having anything nice. And it always seems so sad that the lovely 'new' paper goes straight into landfill. So I use and reuse as many times as possible. Likewise with gift tags.
DS big present arrived yesterday and is stashed under the stairs.....

I asked the guys last night what they want for pudding on Christmas day and they said mince pies and ice cream. Well I have still got a jar of 10p YS mince meat in the cupboard from last year, and half a jar in the fridge. So once my pastry is made all I need is the ice cream. Will do the same Xmas day menu as usual I suspect.

Breakfast
Bagels with garlic and onion cream cheese for DS/ Smoked salmon and light cream cheese for us. Coffee/OJ

Christmas Lunch
Prawns in Marie rose sauce with bread and buttter or salmon mousse, with brown bread and butter for all
Roast Turkey, with sausage meat balls, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, oven roasted veggies (parsnips, carrots,onions) then kale and peas

Pudding as mentioned

Christmas dinner
Stilton, Good cheddar (probably Keens or Quickes) & a semi soft, like Cornish Yarg.
Salads
Cold meats, we need another ham!
Lots of nibbly bits, I do like a pork pie, mini gherkins, potato salad etc
Fizz!

I will be looking for any YS items on my menu in the next few days. It's good to make a saving that way.

Feeling quite christmassy now

Bob

Hi All

OH is better and was up for coming shopping today so we did. My little and often approach is paying dividends. Today I got all my Xmas veg for 90p. Covers carrots, brocoli, parsnips just need Potatoes now!
There were SO many YS christmas desserts already. Anyone wanting posh puddings needs to get down to Mr S tonight, you will save ££.

I need to get started on my main 2017 goals soon. Now DH is on holiday I should have a lot more time to plan. Things feel more optimistic than last year anyway.

Have a good Thursday all.

Bob

f0xh0les wrote: »

Optimism is so cool!

You just reminded me to sign up to all those threads and challenges for 2017, but I am going to get distracted by a sparkly bauble, and then someone is going to ask for a sandwich, and I will only remember again once I am doing the washing up (happens often!).

Thank you! I do that all the time. notebook and pen on my bedside table is my friend on that one.