We are about to pull the purse strings soooo tight!

Alice_in_Poorland

I can't believe how the last few days have just flown by. I'm still struggling to get presents.......can't decide what to get for a few people

We've all had lots of social gatherings going on over the last few days and I'm trying desperately to keep track of the pennies. Did a major shop at A1di and sburys, have put £30 petrol in my car and back down to 1/4 of a tank already.:eek:

We went to the German Christmas market tonight, just spent £3 on parking and £2 on the carousel for DS3. OHs out with his works mates, he's should be getting a lift back so fingers crossed that will save on taxi fare.

Only on 5 NSDs so far this month and not doing very well with the 20p and £2 pots

Still haven't written all the christmas cards or wrapped the presents, the house is a tip but I'm going to chill out tonight and have a productive day tomorrow :cool: xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Today was NSD 6

Had a really busy day, football and rugby matches, but managed to tidy up and vac downstairs, done some ironing (still got a mountain to do tho!!) and we've just had a lovely sunday dinner.

Managed to peg out again today, just got things airing now and will add them to the ironing pile

I have sorted out bus money for DS2, milk money for DS3 and footie money for OH. Got £4.31 pence left in my purse, will need to pay works lottery this week (me and OH) need to work out how much that will be. Also need to get another couple of presents this week so not doing too bad. Still haven't wrapped anything though :eek:

I have started my food list for Christmas, everybody is chipping in so that is going to make it much easier on the finances. Also I'm not going overboard, if I buy chocolate of any kind I only end up eating it (all:eek:), the kids have had selection boxes off their football/rugby teams so they've got plenty.

Hope everybody has a good week.xx

mummytogirls

Hi Alice,

You are sounding very organised!
I really want to get more organised again as ive definately let myself go in that department!! Maybe il start in January!!!

When will you do the wrapping? Ive been doing it bit by bit and I prefer it that way!!

Have a great week xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Thanks mummy, I wouldn't say I'm that organised at the moment, I'm doing that swan thing......looks like I'm gliding effortlessly on top of the water but underneath I'm going like the clappers.:rotfl:

Wrapping is still waiting to be done, but at least I've written the rest of the cards now.

I had to do some more ironing tonight as I needed work stuff. But at least its out of the way.

Everybody including me seems tetchy tonight, DS3 has a cold, DS2 is tired, DS1 is extremely tired (grumpy teenagers!!!!), OH is tired too and I could start an argument in a room all by myself.......think I'm tired too

I need to update spending diary, I'm trying so hard to keep a track of all the pennies, it just seems more difficult at the moment.
This time next week it will be Christmas eve.:eek:
xx

Alice_in_Poorland

Wow the last few days have flown by

I've updated spending diary, we are currently on £106 petrol and £273 groceries for the month.

OH got paid 3 weeks money today :eek: so I'm going to transfer 2 weeks out and then put it back next week and the week after. I get paid tomorrow instead of at the end of the month so again I'll transfer it to another account (without a debit card!!!), and transfer back at the end of the month.

Just got 5 Christmas presents to get, total spend £65ish. I've started to wrap presents........at last!!! We've got some birthdays just after Christmas too but I'm going to wait and get their presents after Christmas, might grab a bargain too

Weather is pants today......but I've heard it will be dry at least tomorrow.....hope so go a mountain of washing and need to get the house tidy.

xx

mummytogirls

Hi Alice,

I think you are being very sensible transferring all of the money out of the spending accounts, well done :T!

xx

Alice_in_Poorland

I have transferred OH's 'extra' money. I've just updated spending diary, spent a little more than I had budgeted on, forgot we needed to get beer!! (oops we've got plenty of wine so I'm all right ), also went on a guilt trip and got the kids some stocking fillers......all useful and practical stuff but didn't really need to.

Anyway petrol spends so far £136, groceries £396 (inc stuff for Christmas/Boxing day), so not too bad considering.

My work shoes have worn through at the bottom (not repairable ) so that's 2 new pairs of shoes I shall be looking for in the sales.

The weather is dry and breezy today say I've pegged out.....more ironing!!!

Going to do housework today as I'm at work tomorrow and don't fancy doing it when I come in tomorrow night. Most of the presents wrapped, so sort of organised.

Hope everybody has a good day.xx

mummytogirls

Hi Alice,

Oh no to the shoes, I keep having a similar problem but with shoes and boots leaking!

Hope youve had a productive day, have a great Christmas if I dont get onto your diary sooner xx

Alice_in_Poorland

mummytogirls wrote: »

Hi Alice,

Oh no to the shoes, I keep having a similar problem but with shoes and boots leaking!

Hope youve had a productive day, have a great Christmas if I dont get onto your diary sooner xx

Thanks mummy, and the very same to you, enjoy.xx

Alice_in_Poorland

I have had a busy day today managed to get loads done, pegged 3 loads out which is nearly dry just needs airing, presents all wrapped, housework done, made mince pies/jam tarts with DS3 whilst dinner was cooking as DS2 and OH had gone to the pub to watch the football. I'm shattered tonight so can't see me doing the ironing.

Had a surprise visit from friends which was lovely, no presents to exhange as we're not doing presents for friends anymore, feels bad but I know its the right thing to do and all our friends agree, shared a quick tipple and mince pies with them.

I've logged on to CCCS/Step Change and we are due a review, will give them a call straight after christmas, really don't want anything to change until we've paid the car off. Hope it's just a case of a quick chat over the phone.

Oh and today was NSD 8, not very good this month.;)

xx