Thrify Gifty Santas Challenge 2012

queenb1981

Well done mum2one what fab news

susan42

:j:j:j:j Fantastic news mum2one.....well done

Well I been away for a few days, weather but I enjoyed it, came back to bat my head up against a wall fixing mates computer but thats done now.

I found another use for Eliz Shaw mints...mum2ones favourites, I bought a box in Asda on special 50p and made these

Angry Birds

So I made about 8 packs out of a box and they`re well in date March 2013 so all the better

mrs-moneypenny

angry birds look brilliant, excellent idea well done susan

not really had a chance to thinnk about miss hoodies challenge for christmas, i did that stitchy for my mum but that for now, i suppose that cost less than £1 as i had everything in from cheap stash id picked up at the carboots - im doing one for my brother but with both twins names on

mum2one

Susan - those birds are fab, have to pop to our adsa to see if they got any of those chocs, thou dont see them lasting till xmas!! xx

rufusdog52

Evening all

Had a nice day today, went out to see my Dad this morning, hadnt been over there for a while. Came back and got on with some more sewing for my craft stall.

Got OH's Mum coming tomorrow for the weekend. I like her coming but fed up its a Grand Prix weekend as I like to watch it all. I have told OH he will just have to take her up the pub for Sunday lunch and I will meet them up there after the race if they are still up there.

mary-op

Hello all :j

mum2one - well done you :T How do you find the time and energy...........(is it some pills and can I have some..............lol)

susan - love the angry birds..........have to have a think who might like some of them

I'd like to say I've been busy but in all honesty I haven't apart from tidying up and shoving yet more stuff into the spare bedroom for the cleaner to go through on Tuesday and organise it for me. I really ought to sought through the drawers upstairs and decide who's getting what of the 'stuff' already collected for birthdays and christmas then I'll know what I'm left with.
If I were really organised I could sort them and get them wrapped...............lol That would be a first !!:rotfl:

Hope you're all ok:)

mum2one

Miss Hoodie has choosen her winners from the May's Santas Challenge - £1 present.

The prize - a little present Miss hoodie got from Tunisia, gd news its not a camel!!

:j:j:j:j:j:j:jThe Winners:j:j:j:j:j:j:j

Susan - Christmas Santa Package

Mary - Twiglets box with samples
dundeedoll = The "57" jar - (thou nearly had an accident from laughing so much!!)

Rufusd!!!2 - The keyrings

Ladies - if you wouldn't mind sending me pm with your address details then i can get your prizes sent to you, xx

mum2one

Santas Challenge - June-

Firstly, can I say a massive massive thank you to you all, for the good wishes, and the £1 challenge, that really made Miss hoodies day. While we were away, she was even bartering, and suceeded, as you all know we've had a roller coaster of 18mths, and by her little challenge has given her something to focus on thats positive...

----
Miss hoodies corner - rubber gloves are needed

With our lovely British weather, a BBQ may just be a possibility, so pull that BBQ make sure its up and running, that you have a supply of coals, lighter blocks, etc, and whether it needs a clean, - if we do get some sun, your half way there!!

-Sun Cream-
Talking of Sun (that magic word), don't forget your sun tan lotion, whether your sunbathing, out for a walk, or even working in the garden.
Generally suntan lotion has a shelf life on 2 years if its been unopened and in a cool place (I usually try to stock up in sale), if your out and about try to keep it out of the heat as that takes the strength away from the cream. we all suit different factors, different brands.
I rate P20 /P30 but at £13 for a 100ml bottle, its a holiday treat... yet i find Avon (generally get 3 for £10) good, also Wilkinsons, Boots own brand, just as good as the posh ones.

Aftersun- if you get a tub if aqueous cream from the chemist, this is a moisturing cream and one of its benefits is sunburn.. (lecture over!!).

--BUT--- The main clean...
-The Freezer-
it only feels like yesterday that she had us all cleaning the freezers, but by doing it regulary, its a breeze, so hopefully there won't be too much of a build up, your find a nice surprise, or not!! but a good spring clean before the summer holidays means anyone with children, its done when there at school.

-School / office etc section-
-School Uniforms-
It looks like the supermarkets are all trying to get ahead and give us the best offer with the school uniforms, at a rough estimate, they've got 4 weeks left at school, so your know if anything can be carried forward. But if you can get the basics, get them as you can. For me, I always find that cycling shorts sell out really quickly.

-Sports days / fetes / end of term discos...
I always think after the Xmas fetes this is as mad as ever for the "the school wants this" - most schools are organising sports days, (may need a certain colour tshirt), fetes (parents can you send donations), so may be worth having a look at the school calender or newsletters.

-Next Years term dates-
This sounds daft saying about next schoool yr, when they haven't broke up this yr, I appriciate schools will give out return to school dates and holidays etc, but if you want to be one step ahead, if you go via your local council website, into education, there be a link to school calender (generally for the county), you can click a link and download. I always find it handy, for example half term is week later normally there back at school on Halloween, not this time, and Xmas ours don't break up to the Friday, as xmas eve is on Monday. Also handy for grandparents, if you get called on for help - your have an idea of dates.


-Bigger children and us "mature students" or anyone with an office / craft room
Generally once the schools have broken up, were being tempted with all the special offers, but before you get tempted do you really need that bright pink intray....
Joking apart, if you anyone going to secondary school, college, nows the time to look for the offers such as USB pens, folders, dividers, shop around, there be chucking the offers at you.


-Argos-
Its coming up to catalogue change, usually around 22nd July, if you go online to the Argos site, there is a section "catalogue clearance" its in yellow and black, click this and you can search individual stores. For example theres 5,000 items on general clearance, but when you click into your store there may only be 900 lines, you have a much better chance of getting the items.

I've flicked through my store, got summer quilt reduced to £12 instead of £23, half price earring set (go up for xmas for Miss Hoodie, it is hit and miss, but worth a look.

-Birthdays-
Hopefully everyone is going great guns in the birthday department, use this month to tie up the loose ends, do i need any special cards, gift wrap, are there any presents I still need to buy. As from July, its head down bum ups, (excuse the punt) for the xmas planning will take over.

-Holidays-
Whether your escaping (I will ask if theres any room in the suitcase!!), or a day out, keep those eyes peeled, whether its a charity shop, a car boot, or a quiant gift shop, there may be something that you can't get at home (thats the excuse I use!!!!!!!! - have once have to drive back from Devon with the back seat of the car down, as I'd been xmas shopping... it was all bargains!!).
In Tunisia, I picked up a Pashmina pure wool, for 13 dinars (£5.20), yet over here would be about £20. I got a couple of scarves for 5 dinars (£2), yet they look as thou they cost a lot more... but don't go over your luggage allowance,,,(I smile sweetly and get away with it!).

-Tissues-
Now ladies, we may need the tissues ready after the football result tonight...

-Christmas-
It couldn't be a Santas challenge, if we didn't do something for Christmas...

Attack your lists - do you need that person on there
How are your budgets doing - hopefully in favour to us not the presents
Garb a notebook, - list who you need to get for so if you see any bargains, - your not doubling up and getting a bargain

if you want to update the thread with how your Birthday and Christmas planning is coming along.

---

As I always say treat it like a pick and mix, even if theres only 1 bit that is any good for you, no probs, please don't feel you have to tackle everything. (Expect Miss Hoodies challenge!!:D)

I've done a few suggestions re school etc, as next Santas challenge will be summer hols, and you may be frazzled, or away, so if we can get a head start great.

xxxxxxxxxxx

mum2one

Santas Update + Plans

BBQ - Thats still boxed from last yr!!

FREEZER - Guess what Grandad Hoodie is doing on Wed (haven't told him yet!!)

SUN CREAM - that can say were def stocked up with

SCHOOL UNIFORM - Weekend see what we already have then get the rest

SPORTS DAY - Weather permitting, suppose to be family day and picnic!!!

FETES - wear anything day in exchange of gift for tombola (drinks for Miss Hoodies class) sending in 4 bottles of pop

EVENTS - the class are due to meet the Queen - the school has been choosen to sing to her from all the schools in the county, need a purple t-shirt, must be purchased from the school!

SCHOOL CALENDER - downloaded - shock about how close to xmas they break up


BIGGER CHILDREN ETC - start OU again in Oct, recycle folders, got to get paper, few pens, USB stick

ARGOS - One store done, half price summer quilt, and earring for Miss Hoodie for xmas (next store 20 miles away...)

BIRTHDAY - mums July (ordered her 2 x dreamboats and petticoats DVDs, Dads July, (having ballon flight, mum, me, Miss Hoodie (spend £10 on him), Miss Hoodie (going halves on Kindle (got £8- vouchers ready). Rest all done, just got to do the cards, - this months plan

HOLIDAYS - I'm lethal...

TISSUES - left him upstairs!!

CHRISTMAS - Raided notepad from Miss hoodie, now have last few to do, bar (mum, dad, Miss hoodie- worry them nearer the time).

BIRTHDAY
People - 23, Budget £290, Spent £110. Proper cost £467 (all money neutral)

CHRISTMAS (so far)
People 52 - 38 done, 7 1/2 done, 8 haven't started
Budget £425 Spent £179, Proper Price £680

xxxxxx

rufusdog52

Ooh thanks Mum2one and Miss Hoodie for me being a winner, was a fab little challenge. I will PM you my address.

The June challenge looks good, I know my freezers need a good sort out, they need defrosting. I will have a better look through tomorrow when our visitor has gone, got MIL for the weekend and staying over till tomorrow.