Gilligansyle's outside her comfort zone

savingholmes

That sounds my kind of baking - yummy!!

Yes the painting is in preparation for the flooring going down at the end of November. There just seems so much to do - and it takes so long doesn't it!!

gilligansyle

The cakes yesterday were OK, but could be better,so today I am going back to my tried and trusted Victoria Sandwich cake.

Today need to go to Costco, trying to find bottles of Pepsi Max for DS. Last time I went they didn't have any, and I really begrudge paying over £1 a bottle in the supermarkets. The great big bottles you can generally get on offer, but they don't fit upright in my fridge, so have to be VERY careful with them once they are opened. He doesn't like cans, he says there is a 'taste'. I managed to get some glass bottles that I've stashed away for Christmas.

Money stuff:-
how did I manage to spend £43 in tatco yesterday? Although if I take off the stuff that's been put away for Christmas its more like £30 which is a bit more acceptable.

I've also been through my present stash, and I really only have to sort out something for DS for Christmas, and do the hand made stuff that has to be done nearer the day (chutney, truffles ) - I've got some vouchers due and may be able to add to them for nephews.
Need to look at what I can use Mr T vouchers for, and if I can't use them can I swap them for cash with sister or friend?

Karmacat

I bought my blueberry plants with vouchers (tho they don't do them any more )!

gilligansyle

Morning

yesterday I made more cakes! But instead of using a 'cupcake' recipe, I went back to my old fashioned Victoria Sponge. Much better results!
Not marvellous for the diet, but better results.

Right, I've got £32 Mr T vouchers, so they can double up to £60, but they aren't in any of the categories I could use for gifts. But maybe I can use them for stuff to put away for next year for birthdays. I really only need to get stuff for nephews and they are happier with cash.
I am nearly at another payout with Mysurvey (used to be lightspeed) so can get vouchers from that too.

So I now have a list, week by week of what needs doing before Christmas. I've tried to fit it in around work, so days when I'm in hotels for a couple of nights I can take some crafting with me; when I'm home I will do the stuff that can only be done at home (tidying, cleaning, cooking)
I also have a comprehensive list of what I need to buy. I'm going to order my fresh veg from the farm again this year as it keeps so much better, but will order food from somewhere like M&S for the little 'nice bits' and have been paying into Christmas Club from the butchers.

In 7 weeks, it will be over!

Double_Trouble

I am so impressed I am not getting very far still only have one present my Mom's which I got weeks ago.

The main problem I need the Christmas toy catalogue from Mr. T's so the little ones can produce their Christmas list and they don't have any in - don't they know Father Christmas has a schedule to keep

Yum yum about the cakes I saw you asking about baking them in the cases I bake them in the fancy wrappers rather than in plain and the transferring them.


DTxx

gilligansyle

Its a bit different when you have children to buy for though DT. I have only adults to get for the youngest nephew is nearly 16.; and we are having a scaled down Christmas because of Mum. Smaller children are a different thing altogether.They NEED to see the ARGOS or MR T catalogue so they can put circles round everything.

I asked about the cakes as am thinking of doing some as gifts for friends I go to on boxing day etc. I can make a nice box, but its such a faff putting them into cases!
I've never been *this* organised before, last year, although I was away, I was away in the same place, so could do my shopping in Shrewsbury or Cheshire Oaks. This year I need to work it differently.

Pippilongstocking

Hey up you've reminded me to dig out my vouchers for magazine subby's for the kids and OH. Thanks!

Well done on the baking, we did a victoria type mix the other day, which when I did it I thought, oh that's lovely and easy why don't I do it like that more often. Old classics always great.

Giving cakes away on boxing day sounds really lovely and great homemade treat.

slowly catching up, it may take me a while!

Have a great week

Karmacat

I love that idea, Gill, sounds gorgeous. We've just got adults too now - tho I do have a tiny little great nephew somewhere on the Wirral - its quite different, isn't it!

gilligansyle

Right, I've finally stopped working! Can't believe how focussed I've been. Not actually achieved much, but I've been busy and have made a start.

pippiHello - just jump in, don't worry about catching up, you've been adventuring.

I'm off to Berkshire tomorrow, so have been and filled the car with petrol. Most of my tatco points at the moment are from fuel. I'm also building up a stock of nectar points (I only shop in Sainsbo for special occasions, but BP fuel is Nectar) and Shell points too. I think Shell you actually get fuel vouchers.

I thought I'd do just normal cakes, because sometimes people want something light. I know I always prefer a trifle or a fruit salad. But then, I'm odd.

gilligansyle

It's been a busy week. Berkshire and back in one day! Then reasonably local, but long days.

I took a day off on Friday, but decided to sort out my travel diary for the next couple of months, as I've registered for points things with some hotels so want to make sure I can take advantage. From January onwards I'm going to be very busy. And my new car comes in January :j - I know its not *my* car, but it won't be a hire car, so its as near to being mine as I'm going to get:D

Money stuff:-
a bit tight at the moment, as haven't been reimbursed for trips to Scotland and Cornwall, but should get that this week. Have another claim in for £200 which I'll get the following week, so its just a cash flow thing. I've had some big journeys which have made a dent.

Cash in purse - £41.50
Bank - £27
Pre-paid credit card - £45 - so will use this for fuel.

Need to get - food for DS for 5 days - things that are easy to cook. May spend around £15.
Won't get loads of fresh veg, as he won't eat it!
Taking with me - cup a soups, crackers, bananas.

I think that's it.

Tomorrow I'm making my Christmas cake, so today I can smell brandy as the fruit is soaking.