Live on £4000 for a year - part 4 (Oct - Dec 2008)

cw18

My Mum generally does a Sherry Trifle for Christmas Day, and save the Christmas Pudding for Boxing Day..... don't think a trifle needs much in the way of "tools" other than a bowl to assemble it in and a whisk (or fork) to whip the cream for the top.

bails

Sophiesmum, your post brought tears - I can completely understand your fears and also know that you will do an amazing job, whatever you make. All anyone will care about is that you are together as a family sharing and creating wonderful memories xxx

cw18

Janey51 wrote: »

How much are people adding onto things like contents insurance for next year (mine is due July) and any ideas on how much car tax is going up? At the moment mine is £120 and I think it is staying the same.
I won't get a lower insurance for the car because I had an argument with a tree last January and the house fire last November will rather put a dampener on a low quote for that.

I'm using the figures for 2008.....

In the case of the car insurance I doubt I'll get cheaper, but I've used the cost of the premium and ignored the fact I got £45 cashback -- which effectively allows for an increase of around 15%

Not sure I'd beat my current house insurance either (not many places will give me the contents cover I need), but as mine's due for renewal this next week I'll have a full year to make other savings to offset any increase. Plus it looks as if I'm going to have to pay a hefty 16.9% interest rate to pay as instalments thanks to the fact it looks like my lump sum from work could be delayed -- so if I add that to the cost it means I've got a huge margin for increase. My main problem though, is that if I have to do this years on instalments and budget to pay next years as a lump sum, then I'm effectively paying for 2 years out of a 12 month budget :eek:

sophiesmum_2

How about a trifle with a twist?
Really easy to make - foolproof- can be made earlier and kept in fridge and most people like it.

I'm thinking of making an amaretto trifle for xmas day as xmas pud is out for that.
jelly with amaretto biscuits soaked in amaretto liqueur, (you can even leave out the jelly if you like but will need more biscuits or madeira cake to make up )
custard - (add a little double cream and drop vanilla essence to it when made - divine)
fresh whipped double cream topped with flaked almonds and crumbled flake and mini amaretto biscuits..

You can make the above with just large bowl, pint measure (milk bottle) and whisk.

PS you can pick up a hand whisk for about 60p in asda or an electric one for about £4 -£5 which will be really useful for loads of things.

sophiesmum_2

cw18 wrote: »

My Mum generally does a Sherry Trifle for Christmas Day, and save the Christmas Pudding for Boxing Day..... don't think a trifle needs much in the way of "tools" other than a bowl to assemble it in and a whisk (or fork) to whip the cream for the top.

Just my thoughts exactly cheryl:D

cw18

Janey - car tax rates are here

Janey51

1274 wrote: »

I have rashly promised my Mum that I will make dessert for Christmas lunch (not Xmas pud because our family hates it). I was thinking of a nice light dessert, like chocolate mousse but have run up against the problem that I have none of the needed kitchen equipment. I do have pots and pans, but no whisk, no scales, no measuring cups (I have measuring spoons though), and no pyrex bowls for melting choc (but I could use the microwave?) Oh, and nothing electrical like mixers etc

Is there any hope, or should I just buy something and remove the packaging

Or you could buy a meringue case, fill with tinned fruit (or frozen....raspberries are lovely) Top with extra thick double cream which shouldn't need beating.
Takes about 5 mins

Janey51

cw18 wrote: »

Janey - car tax rates are here

Brill. Mine is still £120.
Car tax due Dec so I will be even more over budget for 2008:eek: If I leave it until beg Jan to buy, it's abig chunk out of the first week's budget.
And my MOT is due Jan...
Decisions, decisions :rolleyes:

sophiesmum_2

I might do a practice run with the trifle tomorrow night if I do I will post pics;)

whitewing

Janey51 wrote: »

Or you could buy a meringue case, fill with tinned fruit (or frozen....raspberries are lovely) Top with extra thick double cream which shouldn't need beating.
Takes about 5 mins

Strawberries also very good. Grapes halved and a mix of colours is fab too.

Janey, memory probs common in bereavement. Hugs.