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

elysia2003

Thanks for the challenges Mum2one. Big hugs to you and Miss Hoodie.

Foxy - Thanks for the recipe. I met AWT once, he's lovely and so down to earth. I bought his cookbook (family meals or something) last christmas, I haven't opened it yet. I MUST get it out and make something.

Susan has been quiet for almost two weeks now - I hope she's OK.

Fedup - I was after a tiffany lamp for myself too. It was on four easi-pay so I might treat myself as it's not a lot to pay out at once.

CDS - The avon orders obviously go down right on top of Christmas, so they are sneaky and stick and extra one in the middle. People still order but they drop dramatically.

cdsmiler

Afternoon all!

Non- Challenge stuff:

Mary, nicky and fed08 – thank you so much for your suggestions! I shall look at them all and see if something sparks an idea!

Ddraig – my hubby had something similar happen to him with a parcel! I’ve no idea what it was though as apparently it’s a pressie for me, but he was NOT impressed!!

Abdonz – shhhh. Stop saying you’ve done everything! lol

Mum2one – you’re so lovely getting flowers and chocolates for the nurse and doc! I bet they were well chuffed! Big hugs to Miss Hoodie – carol singing was one of my favourite memories from being younger! Tell her from me that she’s fab and is brilliant at looking out for her mum!

Rufus – can’t look at your blog in work today – they’ve done something strange to the system and it doesn’t like your blog!! Boo. Will have a look at home on the weekend! Want to see your shirts….

Elysia – yeah, I’m expecting the orders to drop dramatically. I’m going to give our C1 & C2 at the same time otherwise C2 will have NO orders (I have to put in the order on the 4th Jan!!) – and bearing in mind all my customers are friends, family and colleagues….. argh! lol

No snow here yet. Hoping it doesn’t come at all at the moment – got too much going on! Off to see my brother in a play tonight, hubby is in a conference miles away tomorrow and he needs to get back in good time because he’s then working somewhere else in the evening, then off to my Uncle’s birthday party Saturday eve! I suppose it can snow midnight Saturday so we’re snowed in Sunday and Monday…. Lol

Now then, off to read the challenges!!

Clare x

cdsmiler

Ok, here we go. Thank you SO much mum2one and Miss Hoodie! Good that someone's keeping us on track!

santas challenge November.

Bedroom – bedroom being tidied this weekend Miss Hoodie! lol

Pressies for Children – No batteries needed, but will probably take most out of their packaging!

Charging & Batteries - Will get hubby on the job with regards to charging camcorders etc.

Medicines - Will chat with hubby about what medicines we need to get in. He needs them more than me! lol

Surgery Hours - Out free council newsletter was delivered this week, so if hubby hasn’t thrown in away, that should have all the times – sure I read them…

Car – Got fab ice scraper, can of de icer, and great advice on not leaving petrol filling until the last minute!!

Ladies – Haircut BOOKED! Woooo.

Grocery Shopping – we’re only really cooking two proper meals over Christmas – 29th and 31st!! So I’m not worrying too much. However, have just got the meat order list from the butcher ready for the inlaws!

Spare Presents – Got some ‘recycled’ gifts ready to go!

School Presents – not school but Child Minders. Gift sorted.

Tree, Lights, Dec's – Good idea to stock up in the sales if anything needs replacing. Will have a look when it all comes out!

Advent Calenders – need to start making one for 2011 (yes, it’ll take that long!!)

Double Check Family arrangements – did that this week funnily enough!! lol

Santa Letters – have written my own! (From Santa, not TO santa! Lol)

Present Wrapping – Not doing hampers, but have poly wrap just incase! All wrapping due to be done in December….

Set yourself a countdown plan
Writing Cards – Early next week!!
Wrapping Presents – During December
Delieverying – Have already sorted out when I’m seeing who when!
Xmas Eve Plans – Sorted!

UK DELIEVERY Post – BRILL, thank you! Will need to look up the dates for abroad too….

Stamps – Not sure I can get to Superdrug….. might see if there’s one in the area I’m going to tomorrow!!


Last but least/Standby meals – need to discuss this with hubby! J

**********************

Santas Challenge December

1st thing - Your all safe, Miss Hoodie is safely tucked up in bed, so you have a cleaning free month!! – Woooo hoooo! lol

2011 – Will be making notes of who gives us what, including who sent cards (or let us know they wouldn’t be because donating to a charity instead) – fed up of sending cards to acquaintances who don’t send back. Don’t mind if it’s an eldery relative or something, but ex-workmates who I THOUGHT were friends…. Not worth the bother really!

Save Christmas cards, - ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS use old cards as present tags!!

The Christmas morning notebook – Yep, will do this this year. Didn’t last year and I can’t remember half of what happened (granted, it was a week after giving birth too… lol)

Xmas sales – I’m sorry, I’m useless with sales! Will see what Mr A and Mr T have but I can’t be doing with PROPER sales! lol

Have your Xmas treat sorted – first proper Christmas with DD, that’s my treat! And all will be sorted by then! (Honest!)

Phew!!

Clare x

rufusdog52

Afternoon everyone. I have had a busy day and I am absolutely exhausted. Was cutting out and sewing all morning and most of the afternoon. Other two shirts are well on the way. Doing them both together so when I finish one the other will be nearly done too.

OH's dvds came today so I wrapped them up and then when I had finished I decided to have a sort out on top of my wardrobe. I got all OH's bits together in my box that I use to keep extra gifts in. Sorted some more of the presents out into piles, looks a bit of a mess but will do a bit more tomorrow. Got all my brother's family's presents wrapped and put them in two of the Christmas sacks I bought the other day ready to take round to his house. I feel like I am getting somewhere now that lot is out of the way.

I need to get some more sacks but want them bigger than the ones I bought as the fabric boxes I made won't fit in these ones. Anyone seen any really big sacks anywhere please?

I have been looking through Novembers challenge and will put it on another post so this one isn't too big.

Bit jealous of those who have seen snow but glad we haven't got any as I don't like going out in it, happy to watch it from the window though.

Thanks for all the nice comments about my blog, I am enjoying doing it, wish I had started it sooner now. Rufus xx

rufusdog52

mum2one wrote: »

santas challenge November.

1st message from Miss Hoodie, tidy out your bedrooms, and make sure its clean. (OH does the hoovering etc upstairs as I can't lift the hoover up the stairs. Will finish sorting out top of my wardrobe tomorrow or over the weekend, rest of it is tidy)

As usual think of it as a pick and mix......

Check out any presents that are brought, whether they need batteries, or if there for your children, see if anything can be made up before hand. (No batteries needed and nothing needs to be made up before hand)
Also batteries for cameras, make sure camcorders etc are charged and u know where they are!! (I am always charging up my camera batteries as youngest daughter nicks mine when hers run out)


Check prescriptions - reorder as necessary, just going by our surgery there cut of date is 17th December - but try and avoid the last minute rush. (Yes I need to do this before , think I have enough for over Christmas but will get another lot in just in case)

Healthcare checklist for home-
Check prescriptions
Diocalm or own brand tabs
paracetamol
Rennies
Plasters
Alca setzer
re-hydration sachets (or drink flat cola)
Children - Paracetmol, Calpol

(All done)

Check - when doctor surgerys are closed
out of hours doctors number
out of hours dentist number
is there a walk in NHS centre
What the chemist rota is in your area
There displayed in doctors surgery, and local papers (All sorted)

Car - now got frosty mornings
de-icer
scraper
windscreen cover
try and keep petrol topped up, couple days b4 xmas queues no go! (This is up to OH as I don't drive)

Ladies - A treat!! - Book your haircut in early to make sure you get the
appointment you want, not the ones that are squeezed in!! (Youngest daughter cuts my hair so will ask her to do it before Christmas)

Gas / Elec - anyone on prepay meters - check locations for top ups (We can top up in the shop on the corner of our street which also opens right over Christmas)

Magic Box - No not the money tree at the bottom of the garden, but
have a few tricks up your sleeves - for those emergency
moments - or long car jounrneys
DVD
Colouring sheets
Craft box
Jigsaw
dig the wii / ds game etc thats not been used for ages (No need for this)

Grocery Shopping -
Online - Book your slot in early, even if you just put a pint of milk
in to reserve the slot (Doing our main shop on the 10th online as that's when OH gets paid)

Shankies Pony - Get your lists ready, check opening, closing times

Any family gettogethers -
Apart from the emergency hip flask!!!, check if anyone is vegetarian - would be solds law. (Only me lol)

Spare Presents
The incase of emergency presents, - make sure there something you like, may fancy that box of Thortons Chocolates that are half price in Mr T's. Be such a waste to carry them forward to next yr for a birthday present!! (Doubt if we will need spare presents as dont know anyone who we havent got presents for lol)

School Presents
If your children are anything like Miss Hoodie, its the teacher, ta, the head, the people that read, and the choir teacher!! (there all having santa soups and Vistaprint Goodies!!
Also suggest getting a few spare presents - incase your child comes home with extra presents - great suggestion - Selection box, pre-wrapped ready for last day. (Dont do Teachers presents etc, never have done. Daughter has some already for some of her friends, will get the rest next month)

Tree, Lights, Dec's
If you decide you don't like your decs, lights, tree etc, and haven't had chance to replace them this year, do a list of what you want you want to replace - be ready for the sales, - put the new ones up, discard the old ones. (We bought some new tree lights the other day so should have enough. Have loads of decs so no probs there)

Advent Calenders
If your doing fill your own, hunt them down from that safe place!! (Will probs get daughter one as long as dog doesnt get hold of it as he just eats the lot)

Double Check Family arrangements - just incase hubby's etc have made new arrangements!! (OH's family going away for Christmas and New Year so they coming for dinner on the 12th or 13th, we going to my family on Boxing day)

Santa Letters
At the mo the Post Office are doing free Santa replies, - write to
Father Christmas
North Pole
SAN TA1

(I know it was on last weeks mse weekly email). (She is getting too old for this lol)

Present Wrapping
If your doing a hamper etc and have got no filling, shred wrapping paper, festive and very mse!! (Hampers sorted)

Also anything that is breakable - add a label to the present

Set yourself a countdown plan
Writing Cards (Found my special cards today so will bring them all down tomorrow and start writing them out. Going to my Dad's Sunday and will probs have to write his out as well while I am there)
Wrapping Presents (Have made a start, hoping to do a bit more tomorrow)
Delieverying - double check that the people in - save wasting a journey (Only have two trips to do, one is OH's brother and they might be coming here this year but will leave it to OH to sort times etc. Wont be over the hols, be before. Have to deliver my brother's lot but they live in same town as us so won't take long in the car)
Xmas Eve Plans

POSTING
ftp://ftp.royalmail.com/Downloads/public/ctf/rm/RMG2087_Xmas_POPOS_Leaflet_v1.pdf

thats the official royal Mail download,

Quick run throu

Card is larger than 240mm x 165mm x 5mm - needs large letter stamp

UK DELIEVERY
Tues 15th Dec - Standard Parcels
Fri 18th Dec - 2nd Class letters / 2nd class recorded
Mon 21st Dec - 1st Class letters / 1st class recorded

SPECIAL DELIEVERY
Wed 23rd December

Stamps - Presently Superdrug have 5% off 1st class stamps. (Think I have all my stamps)

Turkey-
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/seasonsandcelebrations/winter/saferchristmaseating/
the link is from the Food Standards Agency,
guide on there for time needed to defrost, cooking time. Really good info. (Not cooking an actual Turkey I dont think, we usually get a crown for OH and daughter and I usually have fish of some kind as dont eat meat)

Last but least..........
If you get chance do a few standby meals for the freezers, so if your running late - got something to hand. (Always got meals in the freezer as I batch cook things like Shepherds pie etc)

Thanks for the Challenge, Rufus xx

rufusdog52

Talking about the dog eating the advent calendar, I always cook our dinners in the morning so we just have to hot them up in the evening. Did a lovely roast dinner this morning, youngest daughter just hotted hers up and we were sitting here watching an afternoon film when I realised the dog was missing - he had got up and eaten OH's dinner, licked the plate clean! I have had to swap so he's got mine (took my veggie pie off) and I have had to go without my lovely roast now. Glad I haven't bought his Christmas present already. Also glad I hadn't put OH's meat on yet, was lucky as I usually do but he had bought something special to have with his and I was going to cook it fresh for when he came in later from work. Lucky I went out there when I did as he would have eaten the other dinner too and I had used up all of the potatoes so would have been in a right state without anything for OH's dinner when he gets home.

mary-op

Hello all :j

mum2one - thanks for the challenge.........I'm glad I was sitting down when I read it !
Hope you're feeling ok now.

rufus........your shirts are brilliant and those paintings!!!!:T You are so clever..........well done, they're all brilliant. I'll have a proper look tomorrow. Late logging on (as usual...........lol)

Take care all and stay warm:)

Anyone had snow ? We had a sprinkling this afternoon but nothing to shout about.............yet !
Done another kitchen organiser (thanks to OH and pva glue he got first thing this morning:)) Even had enough paper to do a matching notebook/journal.
Nearly finished second one.............shelved it till tomorrow..........couldn't see kitchen table for paper and glue..............!:rotfl:

Real_Toothfairy

BIG THANKS to Mum2one & Miss Hoodie for the challenge!


santas challenge November.

1st message from Miss Hoodie, tidy out your bedrooms, and make sure its clean. Done already!!!

As usual think of it as a pick and mix......

Check out any presents that are brought, whether they need batteries, or if there for your children, see if anything can be made up before hand.
Also batteries for cameras, make sure camcorders etc are charged and u know where they are!! Got a load of batteries ready for when wrapping pressies, just got make sure camera is fully charged but will do that nearer the time.


Check prescriptions - reorder as necessary, just going by our surgery there cut of date is 17th December - but try and avoid the last minute rush. Repeat forms are ready to put in week before Xmas.

Healthcare checklist for home-
Check prescriptions
Diocalm or own brand tabs
paracetamol
Rennies
Plasters
Alca setzer
re-hydration sachets (or drink flat cola)
Children - Paracetmol, Calpol
All stocked up.


Check - when doctor surgerys are closed
out of hours doctors number
out of hours dentist number
is there a walk in NHS centre
What the chemist rota is in your area
There displayed in doctors surgery, and local papers Done.

Car - now got frosty mornings
de-icer
scraper
windscreen cover
try and keep petrol topped up, couple days b4 xmas queues no go! No car!!

Ladies - A treat!! - Book your haircut in early to make sure you get the
appointment you want, not the ones that are squeezed in!! Can have this done when I feel like it (DD is a hairdresser)

Gas / Elec - anyone on prepay meters - check locations for top ups Always make sure in the run up to Xmas I put on an extra £5 each week. But we have a few shops in the area that will be open apart from Xmas Day so not a prob.

Magic Box - No not the money tree at the bottom of the garden, but
have a few tricks up your sleeves - for those emergency
moments - or long car jounrneys
DVD
Colouring sheets
Craft box
Jigsaw
dig the wii / ds game etc thats not been used for ages Will only be making one trip to Sister in Bucks and that will be on train with DD, so we usually just take a mag each and our Ipods!!

Grocery Shopping -
Online - Book your slot in early, even if you just put a pint of milk
in to reserve the slot Am waiting for Tesco’s dates to come up.....I keep checking!!!

Shankies Pony - Get your lists ready, check opening, closing times Call me dim....but what is this????

Any family gettogethers -
Apart from the emergency hip flask!!!, check if anyone is vegetarian - would be solds law. Usual suspects will be turning up at my door, so I know likes/dislikes.

Spare Presents
The incase of emergency presents, - make sure there something you like, may fancy that box of Thortons Chocolates that are half price in Mr T's. Be such a waste to carry them forward to next yr for a birthday present!! Got a few little bits tucked away for just-in-cases!!!

School Presents
If your children are anything like Miss Hoodie, its the teacher, ta, the head, the people that read, and the choir teacher!! (there all having santa soups and Vistaprint Goodies!!
Also suggest getting a few spare presents - incase your child comes home with extra presents - great suggestion - Selection box, pre-wrapped ready for last day. DD & muself have sorted for her tutors.....little wine sets and pots of gold.

Tree, Lights, Dec's
If you decide you don't like your decs, lights, tree etc, and haven't had chance to replace them this year, do a list of what you want you want to replace - be ready for the sales, - put the new ones up, discard the old ones. Got new ones last year but always on the look out for more lol

Advent Calenders
If your doing fill your own, hunt them down from that safe place!! Bought DD a Lindt one...(age 20 and she still demands one!!)

Double Check Family arrangements - just incase hubby's etc have made new arrangements!! N/A .....dont ask long story!!!

Santa Letters
At the mo the Post Office are doing free Santa replies, - write to
Father Christmas
North Pole
SAN TA1

(I know it was on last weeks mse weekly email). Have done my own letters from Santa for the little kiddies Xmas Eve hampers.

Present Wrapping
If your doing a hamper etc and have got no filling, shred wrapping paper, festive and very mse!!

Also anything that is breakable - add a label to the present I had some coloured paper left over from something else so shredded that up for my hampers.

Set yourself a countdown plan
Writing Cards Done and put 2nd class stamps on ones for posting.
Wrapping Presents Plan to do during December
Delieverying - double check that the people in - save wasting a journey Apart from Sister, all come to me to pick up pressies!!
Xmas Eve Plans Might be volunteering at the Rotary club to set up for the Xmas party for elderly. Might also be doing a few hours on Xmas Day....just waiting for confirmation.

POSTING
ftp://ftp.royalmail.com/Downloads/pu...Leaflet_v1.pdf

thats the official royal Mail download,

Quick run throu Thanks for info

Card is larger than 240mm x 165mm x 5mm - needs large letter stamp

UK DELIEVERY
Tues 15th Dec - Standard Parcels
Fri 18th Dec - 2nd Class letters / 2nd class recorded
Mon 21st Dec - 1st Class letters / 1st class recorded

SPECIAL DELIEVERY
Wed 23rd December

Stamps - Presently Superdrug have 5% off 1st class stamps.

Turkey-
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydie...ristmaseating/
the link is from the Food Standards Agency,
guide on there for time needed to defrost, cooking time. Really good info.

Last but least..........
If you get chance do a few standby meals for the freezers, so if your running late - got something to hand.

Toothfairy signing out!!! :A

fedupandskint

santas challenge November.

1st message from Miss Hoodie, tidy out your bedrooms, and make sure its clean - Miss Hoodie its already done and tidy
Batteries sorted
No prescriptions needed
Healthcare checklist for home- all done
Car - all ready once get 3 new tyres
Ladies - A treat!! - haircut booked
Grocery Shopping - ongoing
Any family gettogethers - sorted
Spare Presents - Thortons Chocolates that are half price in Mr T's. have got quite a few boxes of these already
Tree, Lights, Dec's - plenty already
Advent Calenders - might buy one for me!
Present Wrapping
If your doing a hamper etc and have got no filling, shred wrapping paper, festive and very mse!!
Also anything that is breakable - add a label to the present
Set yourself a countdown plan
Writing Cards - 5th December
Wrapping Presents - 12th December
Xmas Eve Plans - visit to mum's in the day then a quiet night in finishing off and cooking ham and prepping for the next day
POSTING
Tues 15th Dec - Standard Parcels
Fri 18th Dec - 2nd Class letters / 2nd class recorded
Mon 21st Dec - 1st Class letters / 1st class recorded
Stamps - got loads in bulk from costco that last me a couple of years at a time
Turkey- ordered

Santas Challenge December

2011 - Use which ever method you find easier, spreadsheet, notebook etc, and set up your present list and budget for Birthdays and Christmas - notebook for me and will look for a nice new one in the sales
Save Christmas cards, - reuse the fronts as tags, any good wrapping paper can be kept ready for shredding next yr - will do
Xmas sales - like a walk up to Mr S and snaffle cards heaily reduced etd
Have your Xmas treat sorted - by this time ladies and our lovely gentleman - put your feet up and enjoy everyone else doing the headless chic run - mine will be eating chocolates bought a half price or less, writing cards and wrapping presents with my yankee candles burning and chilling out


Not too bad so far, should be manageable once this assignment's handed in next week

Anglea

santas challenge November.

1st message from Miss Hoodie, tidy out your bedrooms, and make sure its clean - TO DO
Batteries sorted - TO DO - get spare smoke alarm ones
Prescriptions needed - NEED TO CHECK
Chemist - usually in local paper, NEED TO CHECK
Healthcare checklist for home- NEED TO CHECK
Car - N/A
Ladies - A treat!! -I CUT MY OWN HAIR
Meters/magic box - n/a
Grocery Shopping - ongoing
Any family gettogethers - SLIGHT CHANGE OF PLAN WITH RELATIVES THAT AREN'T COMING DOWN AS NORMAL AND OTHERS THAT ARE GOING AWAY - SO i MUST REMEMBER TO SEND ONE LOT OF CARDS (AND PRESENTS) AND GIVE OTHER CARDS OUT IN ADVANCE WHEN I VISIT THE WEEK BEFORE.
Spare Presents - TO DO
Tree, Lights, Dec's - SORTED ALL OUT IN ADVANCE
Advent Calenders - KIDS LIVE AWAY
Present Wrapping - NOT STARTED AS PRESENTS NOT BOUGHT :cool:
Set yourself a countdown plan

My craft club has a buffet lunch so must remember to make/buy food/cards
Xmas Eve - we celebrate two Christmases, the first at mum's on the Eve in a traditional Polish way and the English Christmas Day at my house so everything must be finished earlier in the week.

Stamps - got 2nd class x 2 books, need foreign also remember not to stick stamps on cards that could go cheap with scouts stamps

Turkey- I HAVE A PHOBIA ABOUT POULTRY APPEARANCE SO CAN ONLY EAT MATTHEWS ROASTS, BOUGHT ONE NEED ANOTHER

Santas Challenge December

2011 - set up your present list and budget for Birthdays and Christmas - I ALWAYS WRITE EVERYTHING IN A NOTEBOOK IN THE YEAR AND END DEC. TRANSFER IT TO MY DAIRY DIARY

Save Christmas cards, - reuse the fronts as tags - USUALLY
Xmas sales -IF I REMEMBER
Have your Xmas treat sorted - WILL THINK OF ONE POSSIBLY CAFE VISIT

---

Thanks Mum2one and Miss Hoodie,

Toothfairy - Shank's pony = walking
Rufus, I also think your blog is fab, and love the paintings, what style do you call it?