New Thrifty Gifty - Organised for Christmas and all ocassions 2010- Santas Challenges

mary-op

Hello all :j
All this jam making going on................lol I'm c**p at anything like that.............still trying to find something about ''sock jam'' and can only find it done with baby socks:eek: Oh well.....might just have a go and if it looks too c**p.....don't think my friend will mind.
Spent the morning making coaster calendars now OH's got me a load of beer mats from the pub (don't know how many he's expecting I'll do...:rotfl:)
So far 5 done.............:) Need some magnet strips to put on the back and not sure where to get them from.

fedupandskint

I'm attempting making the flannel doggie while strictly is on later, wish me luck as this could turn into an abandened craft item!

clare - what about a set of books from book people eg roald dahl series? What else is linked to maths? Some kind of maths game that might be around in the shops

Some nice LUSH items that are aimed at a younger audience eg glitter bath bombs, shower jelly etc but stick to a strict budget in there!

junior_j

I wish i wasn't on slimming world diet then i could eat chocolate and crisps hmmm but must resist and be good! lol. Thanks for Jam recipe! xx

mummyslittleboy

cdsmiler wrote: »

Hello everyone!

Not had a chance to catch up with psts yet, but wanted to ask you all for your help on behalf of a friend. She's finding it really difficult to chose what to buy her daughter this year as she's at that age where she's too young for grown up gifts, and too old for dolls and girls pressies. Here's my friend's email:

"Finding it really frustrating this year. She is too old for toys and too young for grown up stuff. Her likes are.

Horses
Modeling
Math’s
She is in year 6

You can see by that list that it is difficult. I did buy her main present today. She is getting a makeover in Cardiff hair, nails, make up and a professional photo shoot followed by dinner out with me and Mike. She chose that one herself."

I'm thinking of suggesting a pamper hamper type thing. Any other thoughts?

Clare x

There is a series of girls books called heartland which are all based around horses but very girlie.
There is also sheltie books,Pippa funnel games for DS and Wii, luvponies.com is great for stocking fillers and other bits for christmas or there is the thelwell range of horse bits for horse mad girls.
Does she go riding if she does new boots or Jodhpurs if not how about a couple of riding lessons?

I have a 14 and 10 year old who are horsemad so if you need anymore ideas pm me and I will have a look in there bedrooms!!!

I can't help much other than that my daughter is in yar 6 but if you mention smellies to her she puts her nose up in the air and talks horses.

junior_j

Cdamiler - hiya next and Asda have a few tops with like sparkly horses on them ect which would be nice .. year 6 aye thats gotta be like what 10 years old..how about a secret diary one with those voice activated locks , from argos.. some glitzy pen sets maybe with a horse pencil case. subscription to girly magazine aimed at that age? hair beading kit , make your own selection from argos..xx

elysia2003

Hi everyone - I'm back.

Just spent over two hours reading posts since Monday!!!! Gosh you lot can talk.

CDSmiler I made a gift voucher thingy. I got the inspiration from a blog - I'll see if I can find it again.

Sorry about the incorrect vistaprint link. Here's the correct one. www.vistaprint.co.uk/savings9

Are you in Cardiff? We were there yesterday. We stopped there and had lunch. Managed to lose OH in the St Davids centre for an hour and half. I'm going to have to get a tracking system fitted to him or put him on baby reins.

Strawberry Jam recipes sounds great.

Cookie - please don't be upset about peoples posts. Your dog is brilliant. I want to make one now.

PONR - I've used Vistaprint loads of times and never had any trouble. I had to ring them once, and they were most helpful.

Mum2one - well done to Miss Hoodie. DD1 and DD2 have both been on the gifted and talented program. It just shows where our girls get there brilliant genes from - there Mums. LOL

Mary - I received your letter when I got home last night, and I wondered why you were still posting. I'm glad your internet is still working for the time being and fingers crossed you can still get the new router.

I've forgotten everything else - so I apologise. You all sound very busy.

I bought the last of the items for my Nigella Christmas cake today. Got the mixing bowls out, warmed up the oven and we'd forgotten the baking parchment. I will have to make it tomorrow now. It's probably for the best, as I can do it while the roast is cooking. It's not very MSE heating up the oven twice.

mum2one

SANTA’S CHALLENGE – OCTOBER

Firstly hope everyone has a good half term, and those with holidays planned, days out, and Halloween events – have a good time.

FROM MISS HOODIE – THE CLEANING CHALLENGE
I’m sure by now, every nook, cranny, cupboard etc has been cleaned, sorted, tidyed and rechecked…. But this is Miss Hoodie we’re talking about…….

Can we all double check the kitchen cupboards and draws……. Chuck anything out that we have held on to just in case it will come in handy….

Any outdoor space – if you have a shed and a man – that’s his job!!


CHRISTMAS GOODIES – Food
We all seem to be doing really well with the home-made goodies, - but if your running short of jars – ask now before everyone jumps on the band wagon.

HAVE THAT CHAT
I know its one of those how long can I put it off for, but have the chat – so you can plan the Christmas shopping and whether you need a table big enough for 20!!

WRAPPING
Time to check the Christmas supplies, do I need wrapping paper, cello, tissue paper etc – hampers – what am I going to line them with, have I got enough baskets / shoe boxes

CHRISTMAS CARDS
Spread the list and start writing them, try for 2nd class stamps and save the pennies……

CHRISTMAS ORDERING
If your ordering anything on line – double check the delievery dates, and look for special offers – discounts etc – Also get a witness when you open the box, just incase anything is broken – you have back up

VISTA PRINT
Don’t forget the monthly freebies and the cashback with topcashback, for anyone who has received orders, check the promo leaflets, as there is one with free items including calendar, mug, address labels etc – just pay postage.

UNWANTED / GROWN OUT OF
Now is the time to sell those items, bikes, games etc, see if your paper does free adds, - as people be looking for those items

TABLE TOP SALES
The weather is getting colder, although there is still a few car boots being advertised, but keep an eye out for table top sales, espically if its in an area where there has been car-boots – get people in.

MAKING PRESENTS/ CRAFTING
Set yourself a list of what you need to do…….and set a finishing date.


FOOD
Nows the time of year for the Christmas cake, so add a shaky hand of drink, and don’t forget to lace it – use orange juice for alcohol free version.

CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS
If your like me and have shop brought one, - nows the best time – before everyone remembers they need one…. Also if your having packet sauce mix, buy them when you see them. (if anyone sees Birds Brandy sauce mix let me know – desperate – none local).

TURKEY OR XMAS MEAT
A lot of shops are getting their frozen turkeys, crowns, cook from frozen breasts, - grab them now, Aldi do a 1kg rolled breast - £4.99, can have the butter basted version or pre-stuffed.

STUFFING
If you fancy a little poshed up version of the basic sage and onion stuffing, add some chopped dried apricots – gorgeous

FOOD LIST
Do the food list, and can be split over the next 2 months.

FOOD FOR THE FREEZER
If you get a spare day, start some meals for the freezer, whether it’s a bulk casserole, shepherds pie, mince ready to finish off, so if your delayed – grab a meal – all sorted.

CARS
With the weather not being perfect, nows the time to stock up with de-icer, windscreen scraper, and car window cover.
WRAPPING PRESENTS
It’s usually us ladies that do the wrapping, spread it out, even if you can get all one families into a bag ready to be wrapped.

MEDICATION
Check your medication, and maybe mid Nov onwards order ready for Christmas, everyone be doing it from Mid December – get in there 1st…

LADIES
If your having a pamper, or a haircut, etc get your appointment booked in now, as there have their regular customers that go in that day of the week, so grab before the rush.

If your having any DIY pampering make sure you have enough of everything – (don’t do my trick, sat on the side of the bath, putting veet spray on my leg, went to do the 2nd lag – the tin had run out!!!)

I have tried to be gentle, as always does look like a big list – but pick and mix accordingly.


SECRET SANTA

As last year was the 1st attempt, few teething troubles, hopefully got them ironed out. Slight changes – Clare is helping with the challenge, so we’ve
Our heads together virtually………

The plan is – add the questions to santa’s challenge (there safe), if you want to take part, fill in your answers and pm them to me by the 14th Nov. Then between Claire and me, allocate you a partner and give you their answers.

Like last year – keep it at £10 spend, Argos (pretty much central to everyone), choose 3 items, return the numbers to me and I’ll then send them to your partner, - you then pass them and £10 to a friend and they get the final choice.

The Questions….

1. What is your favourite hobby?
2. What is your guilty pleasure?
3. What would your worst present be?
4. What was the most thoughtful item you ever received?
5. do you wear earrings?
6. If you were on a desert island – what 3 things would you take.
7. if you had to describe yourself in maximum 5 words, what would they be.

welshkaz

Morning all im up early for a pre family mooch online anyone buying a leapstar explorer for xmas their on offer at toys r us plus the games for it are bogof also the usual 342 on board games so some deals to be had .... fab challenge this month as usual x

SugarSpun

Ooooooooooooooooh awesome challenge, thank you!!

Lots to do

abdonz

Thanks for challenge again mum2one and miss hoodie of course
I'm going to do my kitchen drawers today and that might lead to me doing the cupboards.
Hope everyone is ok today.
Xx