The Thrifty Gifty Girls 'n' Guys 2009 (Organised & Money Neutral for All Occasions)

bunbun2

scattymam1 wrote: »

Big christmassy hugs to everyone who needs them.

Well done chocolateorange for surviving relatives. What is it about this time of year - I love my in laws but they're always seems to be bickering and stupid digs flying around at this time of year on that side of the family!

Ah, Pinkladymel, sounds like you've had a right time of it, my little one and I were poorly for about a month before we were able to shake it off.

Went to see Santa at a farm in Peterlee(North East) - called tweddle childrens animal farm today. We went last year and it was really nice cos it's just a small set up but we were blown away at how lovely the grotto was this year and santa was really lovely. It really must have took them months to do as it was a whole walk in set up with an elf wrapping presents and reindeer and a villagey scene. Cold but lovely. Followed by a festive pizza and kebab with friends. I know I keep saying this but I'm just glad I can do this kind of thing without worrying about shopping for presents and other christmas rush goings on.

I pledged yesterday to show home the house which I did - I quite surprised myself at how much I had done so today has been a day off. Tomorrow I have to make the reindeer flannels for daughters teachers, I have Lush shop bath bombs to put inside and they smell like candy canes.

hi scattymam1
is the santa's grotto at the farm just this week end or will it be on next week end too? sounds lovely although I do wonder whether my two boys are a bit old at 8 and 10 (or are you never too old!). we could just visit the farm though.
was there much snow? we went to Lanchester today and there was quite a bit of snow on the hills.

SugarSpun

Tomorrow:

run to the supermarket for milk, butter and bits of chocolatey goodness
tidy the crap off my bed
put all the stuff to travel to the UK together
pack the laptop bag with everything but the laptop
make chocolates
make at least a start on the sock monkey
take an indulgent bath
start on the corrections to my work presentation (this is a bonus one only)

scattymam1

bunbun2

http://www.tweddlefarm.co.uk/tweddle_farm_events.html

Hope this helps however at this time of year there's not too much to do apart from the santa thing as it's too cold to see the outdoor animals and play on the outdoor areas.(Mind you there seems to be more animals there than some farms I have been to, they have a monkey called Joshua who is hilarious) It is a very friendly set up and they are really trying to develop it further, every time we go it gets better but horse riding and tractor rides are also not on during the winter for obvious reasons. Definitely try them around lambing season though if you have older ones as there is lots to do and see around then. We were just so impressed with the grotto as they obviously made it and painted it all themselves and they are just a family set up so it must have took them ages. I think people like that deserve to do well.

scattymam1

bunbun- what is actually at Lanchester - I have been there when I was young and would like to go again - is there much to do for 3 year olds??

scattymam1

ah didn't realise that during the week 4-7 you only have to pay for santa and not for the farm as well - that would have saved me a bob or two!!drat.

bunbun2

scattymam1 wrote: »

bunbun- what is actually at Lanchester - I have been there when I was young and would like to go again - is there much to do for 3 year olds??

we went to the garden centre there. they have a christmas event with a craft fair (about 10 stalls) and santa's grotto. went last year and the boys chose a tree decoration each so it was only a quick visit to chose their decoration.
there is Hall Hill farm at Lanchester which is lovely. we have only been once at Christmas when the eldest was about 2 (8 years ago so things have prob changed!). they had santa's grotto and carol singing in the barn which was lovely.
thanks for the info about the farm - will remember that for spring time.

JordanShannon

I watched ELF all the way to the end and it made me laugh, bless him. It must have been SOOO fun to make that film, would love to have been there!! :rotfl: :rotfl:
Anyway i thought i needed to post it not sure why but me thinks i have my christmas spirit back
Although might not be for long, seeing dad tomorrow!!:rudolf: Still will think of ELF and smile:D :rolleyes: LOL
..xx

scattymam1

thanks I have heard about hall hill farm - will have to try it sometime.

Tigger888

Hi guys!

pinkladymel - sorry to hear your woes - you always sound so cheery though!

jordanshannon - good luck seeing your Dad.

Have had the best weekend!

Was at the panto yesterday with DD1's Rainbows group - saw The Wizard of Never Woz at The Pavilion in Glasgow - great fun!

Family party today - it was like a mini-Christmas. My brother dressed up as Santa and had loads of gifts for my girls - really kind and generous. Then we had loads of food and a family quiz! Brilliant day!

Tonight, sat and watched Elf - even my Scrooge-like OH was laughing!

So the house is still a huge mess but I've had a brilliant busy week and I now have two days off to sort it. Only concern is that DD2's Santa present is 'missing' from ELC (other things have been delivered) - will have to chase that up. And the other concern is that OH has had a nasty fall on the ice and is off to the hospital tomorrow as he is in agony.

Night all.

Love
Gill
xx

JordanShannon

Tigger888 wrote: »

Hi guys!

pinkladymel - sorry to hear your woes - you always sound so cheery though!

jordanshannon - good luck seeing your Dad.

Have had the best weekend!

Was at the panto yesterday with DD1's Rainbows group - saw The Wizard of Never Woz at The Pavilion in Glasgow - great fun!

Family party today - it was like a mini-Christmas. My brother dressed up as Santa and had loads of gifts for my girls - really kind and generous. Then we had loads of food and a family quiz! Brilliant day!

Tonight, sat and watched Elf - even my Scrooge-like OH was laughing!

So the house is still a huge mess but I've had a brilliant busy week and I now have two days off to sort it. Only concern is that DD2's Santa present is 'missing' from ELC (other things have been delivered) - will have to chase that up. And the other concern is that OH has had a nasty fall on the ice and is off to the hospital tomorrow as he is in agony.

Night all.

Love
Gill
xx

Thanks Gill. It should be okay:rolleyes: Still i'm really really happy:j :j
Marley and me is coming to the cinema in May next year:beer: Okay so May is quite a way away BUT Im So Excited:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: It looks so good!!!
Anyways I should really get to sleep, but i'm trying to convince people to join my quidco chrimbobingo- bingoheads group(say that when you're drunk and if anyone can see it look on my avatar its so cute lol:rotfl: )
..xx
Ps Thanks again:D