New, New Thirfty Gifty for Christmas and All Ocassions 2011..Santas Challenge...

mary-op

Hello all :j
Killing a bit of time till I see OH this afternoon.

elysia - letter nearly done..........list of questions that need answering, log of 'incidents' for want of a better word........just have to do the covering letter to go with it.............might well send copy to secretary of health or some bod like that.

Angela -haven't done the crumble yet.........might do that when I get back later this afternoon........won't take long.....cheating and got packet of crumble mix.............lol

You're all so busy-busy.............time I ventured into spare room to see what I've got lurking there..........might wait till cleaner comes Wednesday and get her to give me a hand. Might be a few things up there for pressies.
Hope you;re all ok:)

Twisted_Angel_2

Christmas is 19 weeks away today :j

Twisted_Angel_2

I have now ordered and received all my florists cello, tissue papers, florist bows for my hampers. Have also received the wooden chests to decorate which i will do when the kids are back at school and i have more time.

My Christmas pressie list is looking good. I have been buying bits when i see them on offer and i am really making progress. Even the kids stocking fillers are almost finished.

Student12

Wow 19 weeks today! Where on earth has this year gone! I was trialling some hampers today (deciding where everything would be placed for best appearance)- will be taking a look at the 'hamper picture' thread later for more inspiration I feel!

Pips_Mum

https://www.sportsdirect.com Have got some really good bits, lots of football team stuff like Mugs, scarves, rubber ducks (!) half price. Also got Pip some gloves for 50p each, me some gloves for £1 each and OH some for £2! Got friends teenage daughter a Goldigga top for £4 and also a charm bracelet for £3.

Anglea

Hi all

Today I went to make the blackberry muffins but didn't have any baking powder.

Can bicarb be used instead?

So I ended up making a quick jam instead, the type that you put into a bowl and keep in the fridge.

Student12

Hi Anglea

I once read somewhere that a mix of bicarb and cream of tartar is an ok substitute for baking powder? Hope this helps!

elysia2003

Anglea - I made some more blackbarry jam yesterday too. I've enough blackberries in the freezer for another two batches. I need to stock up. My kids love blackberry jam so much.

Student12 is correct - I just hope you have cream of tartar in, it's not something you tend to use often.

Pipsmum - those cushions look nice and bright and cheerful. I bet DD2 would love to make some of those. I keep forgetting that site - I'll have to have a proper look later.

Sugarspun - full steam ahead with the packing? I don't know which is worse, packing it up or unpacking the other end? Thanks for the referal to Arts cow - my goodness, don't you get a lot of free stuff? I'm chuffed to bits. I hope you got something free too.

Twisted Angel - don't try anything too difficult when wrapping the hampers. If it's a box shape - lay the cello over the top, and fold the cello and secure underneath. If it's an odd shape, gather it up the top and secure with ribbon. It'll look lovely however you do it - no need to stress

I bought DD a main present on Friday - a nintendo 3DS. Has been reduced from roughly £200 to £115, but I had some Amazon vouchers that I won, so it only cost me £60 plus p+p. She'll be so excited. I need to sort some games now.

SugarSpun

Elysia, just to say that the Artscow stuff can take a long time to arrive, so if you're ordering for Christmas it's good to do it sooner rather than later

rufusdog52

Yes thanks from me to for the Artscow referral, I want to get some photos printed so i can do a book each for my two sisters like I did for my brother for Christmas.

I might have a look in Smiths while I am up the town and see if they have any deals on their photo albums.

When I went up town the other week for some stamps for my Ebay stuff I bought 6 second class at the same time to put away towards the Chrismtas cards, I am going to get some more today. I used to get free stamps for the Royal Mail surveys but got kicked off this year so will need stamps. I usually post all Dad's cards too and he has more than me so better get a few in. Thought if I buy a few now and then it wont be so much at the time.

I did some more decorating yesterday, it is coming on slowly but I will get there in the end. I have started on some new sewing too, I am making a baby playmat and some more cushions for the shop.