Thrify Gifty Santas Challenge 2012

SugarSpun

Santa'sChallenge - September-
=Flu Jabs=

None of us need flu jabs, thankfully. I am planning to stock up on medications etc though.

=ChristmasCakes=

I'm going to make a spiced vanilla cake (and a million mince pies) instead of a proper Christmas cake, no one except me ever eats Christmas cake and I don't want it to go to waste.

=TheConversation=

We're having Christmas at home, but I am starting to think of how to get gifts from here to there. My parents are meeting us in London in early December, but I don't really want to pile gifts on them and them have to drag them home on a train.

=ChristmasEvents=

Cookie exchange and a Boxing Day party! Hurrah!

=WinterNights=

check items are in full working order,

My hot water bottle is doing just fine

Our coffee machine is still broken though :eek:

Outside Pipes

I am putting my lovely husband in charge of that.

Stopcock - It'sthe last thing we want anything to happen, but check where the stopcock in thehouse, and the outside one
Fusebox - do we know where it is???

I know where the fusebox is and I *think* I could find the stopcock if pushed

Radiators

How does one do that? I foresee some Googling in my future ... or perhaps getting my husband to show me how.

Candles

Yup, huge store of smelly and non-smelly ones.

Torch

I keep meaning to get one of those

=ChristmasCards=

OOH! Yay! I think I will do 5 a week.

=ChristmasExtras=

We're going to do a massive cash and carry shop and a pootle around the Asian supermarket, I think. We don't eat a lot of sweet stuff.

=ToiletRoll=

Funny you should say that - DH turned up hilariously on Saturday with 24 of the things!

=Misshoodies Corner=
The part welove!! The cleaning challenge

The wardrobes

I did mine last week

=Last butLeast - Freezer=

There's no room at the moment

Operation: Run Down The Freezer is ongoing. And weird. We have so much stuff that we just can't seem to use without buying loads more stuff.

cdsmiler

Bella_b wrote: »

I think I saw that on offer at The Book People a while ago.. hopefully still is! They have christmas offers on already. I heard the other day that the composer of the music to The Snowman died recently

Thanks bella_b - they have quite a nice book and CD combo (listen as you look at the pictures) but no DVD. But have saved the link just in case I decide to go for that book.

Clare x

cdsmiler

Santa'sChallenge - September-
=Flu Jabs=
I know Ipopped a mother hen post, but please look into getting your flu jabs, somesurgeries have open days set by, but what I do is book an appointment, (can'tstand in q's).

But if youdon't fit the category and want one the Adsa, Boots, Tesco pharmacies offerthem, think Boots is £10.

Hopefully not needed! But thanks for the info!

=ChristmasCakes=
It's thattime where we should be thinking about whether we want Xmas Cakes or how manywe need to bake, - I'm doing some small ones on small baked beans cans are fab.

I'm going to make a large square Christmas cake, cut it into 4, and ice them separately. One for FIL, maybe one for Nan & Aunt (either each or to share) and what's left I'll take in to work. Dad makes his own....

=TheConversation=
Now the timeto have the conversation, where am I going to be for Christmas, how many havewe got coming, can I lock the door and enjoy Christmas, also deliveringpresents, - work out with friends where you need to be. Also whether your working over Christmas when do you want your Christmas .

Had the conversation. We know where we are and when over Christmas!

=ChristmasEvents=
Have you gotparty, event, talk to other half andfamily members remind them where the calendar is (or whatever you use diaryetc), so if your mum's taxi - you know in advance.

Sorted (mostly!)!

=WinterNights=
As it seemsto be winter drawing in early, -

check itemsare in full working order, - i.e. electric blanket,

OutsidePipes - if you have any outside pipes make sure there insulated, we have awater tap outside wall, I use an inflated kids armband - touch wood hasn't letus down.

Stopcock - It'sthe last thing we want anything to happen, but check where the stopcock in thehouse, and the outside one
Fusebox - do we know where it is???

Radiators - do they need bleeding,

Candles -Not just for romantic nights - but in case of power cut

Torch - Wekeep one bottom of stairs 1 at top - find where is best for you

Radiators recently bled after work being done inside the house, external insulation should be done (hopefully!) in the next month. We have candles, and torches, but might be worth us putting a few handy!

=ChristmasCards=
Back tosomething nice, make a start on the Christmas cards, set a little target say 10a week, which ever suits you the best

Need to make my card list!! That's the first job.

=ChristmasExtras=
All thesupermarkets are starting to get their Xmas goodies in, Know every Thursday weget off granddad Hoodie, they've moved this, I had to walk up 4 aisles for it,- worth popping an item on the list, all helps out.

We're not doing the main Christmas meals, but could pick up the odd thing for DD's birthday 'tea'....

=ToiletRoll=
Oneessential for xmas, but normally over looked - there's bound to visitors sostock up on the loo rolls!

Lol would never have thought of that.

=Misshoodies Corner=
The part welove!! The cleaning challenge

Thewardrobes - give them a sort out and see what fits, doesn't fit, gathers dust,or what you keep just in case, do you really need it!

(Think wegot off quite lucky with that one)

Seriously need to do this. Holding off slightly as I'm losing weight, so hope some things will be too big soon. lol But I seriously can't get to anything at the moment, so might have to bite the bullet....

=Last butLeast - Freezer=

No don'tpanic we're not cleaning it, if you get chance try some batch cooking, byNovember Christmas will have got caught up with everyone else, while we are allorganised! but some to hand meals will save us time - bound to be caught up inqueues and won't feel like cooking.
As always remember it is a pick and mix, - but don't forget the little treat when you've worked hard, whether its a bar of choc, or a long soak in the bath. xx

I have a load of veggie soup already made. We need to think ahead and double up on some casseroles and things. Trouble is out frozen bits end up only lasting a week because we want them again! lol

Thanks Mum2one & Miss Hoodie!

mary-op

Hello all :j

mum2one -glad you're feeling better and thanks for the flu jab reminder...must get that sorted.
Also thanks for the check list -mind you plumber coming when he's back off holiday as our heatings playing silly ******s ! We're either in a heatwave or freezing so while he's here doing that he'll check all the radiotors for us.

Lazy day -again ! Trying to do a 1st birthday card in time for the weekend and hitting brick walls with ideas. Maybe tomorrow I'll get on better.

Hope you're all ok:)

mrs-moneypenny

thanks mum2one will go through santas challenge later

just back from post office was planning on making a saving by sending christmas card to usa early by surface mail, letter/card post price band has been stopped bottom one is now small packet/ printed paper. whaich is £2.20, for the weight my card is its cheaper to wait and go for airmail nearer the time at about £1.60
crazy or what!!!!!

just had a quick look at the challenge
both Tesc0 and morry5 have packs of 4 loo rolls in for £1, the morry ones are really good quality - they are the chaepest ive seen

tanks miss hoodie the wardrobe challenge reminder is just what i need, it NEEDS culling and donnating to the CS

rufusdog52

mum2one wrote: »

Santa'sChallenge - September-
=Flu Jabs=
I know Ipopped a mother hen post, but please look into getting your flu jabs, somesurgeries have open days set by, but what I do is book an appointment, (can'tstand in q's).

But if youdon't fit the category and want one the Adsa, Boots, Tesco pharmacies offerthem, think Boots is £10.

Thanks for this Mum2one, I have to pay for mine and £10 is less than I paid last year so will go and ask in Boots.


=ChristmasCakes=
It's thattime where we should be thinking about whether we want Xmas Cakes or how manywe need to bake, - I'm doing some small ones on small baked beans cans are fab.

Dont do Christmas cakes especially as I am on a diet.

=TheConversation=
Now the timeto have the conversation, where am I going to be for Christmas, how many havewe got coming, can I lock the door and enjoy Christmas, also deliveringpresents, - work out with friends where you need to be. Also whether your working over Christmas when do you want your Christmas .

This is going to be a pain this year what with OH working right over Christmas and on nights too. Wont be able to visit my family like I usually do as wont have anyone to drive me. Family cant come to my house as he will be asleep so I am not looking forward to it at all as will be on my own most of the holiday.

=ChristmasEvents=
Have you gotparty, event, talk to other half andfamily members remind them where the calendar is (or whatever you use diaryetc), so if your mum's taxi - you know in advance.

This is same as above, wont have any way of getting there.

=WinterNights=
As it seemsto be winter drawing in early, -

check itemsare in full working order, - i.e. electric blanket,

I have my furry blanket already out and over me.

OutsidePipes - if you have any outside pipes make sure there insulated, we have awater tap outside wall, I use an inflated kids armband - touch wood hasn't letus down.

Stopcock - It'sthe last thing we want anything to happen, but check where the stopcock in thehouse, and the outside one
Fusebox - do we know where it is???

Radiators - do they need bleeding,

Candles -Not just for romantic nights - but in case of power cut

Torch - Wekeep one bottom of stairs 1 at top - find where is best for you

This lot should be fine

=ChristmasCards=
Back tosomething nice, make a start on the Christmas cards, set a little target say 10a week, which ever suits you the best

Bought all my cards in the new year so wont have to worry about them, just the posting.

=ChristmasExtras=
All thesupermarkets are starting to get their Xmas goodies in, Know every Thursday weget off granddad Hoodie, they've moved this, I had to walk up 4 aisles for it,- worth popping an item on the list, all helps out.

Not going overboard this year as I am on my diet and will be a waste of money

=ToiletRoll=
Oneessential for xmas, but normally over looked - there's bound to visitors sostock up on the loo rolls!

Might even look out for the fancy Christmas ones lol

=Misshoodies Corner=
The part welove!! The cleaning challenge

Thewardrobes - give them a sort out and see what fits, doesn't fit, gathers dust,or what you keep just in case, do you really need it!

(Think wegot off quite lucky with that one)

She must be pshycic, I just sorted my wardrobe out last week as wanted to try on and see what still fitted me and what didnt. All my jeans are too big so have had to start wearing a belt otherwise they are down round my ankles.

=Last butLeast - Freezer=

No don'tpanic we're not cleaning it, if you get chance try some batch cooking, byNovember Christmas will have got caught up with everyone else, while we are allorganised! but some to hand meals will save us time - bound to be caught up inqueues and won't feel like cooking.

Our freezers are nearly full to the brim all the time.

Thanks for the challenge Mum2one, some bits on there to remember.

I have got three presents out of the way today. Finished the cushions completely, cant post pics in case the people see them. Also finished the bag for my friend. I am waiting to buy some fabric for YD to make her bag, I didnt win the bit I had bid on, the price went up so much that it was cheaper to buy it direct by the metre (it was for a remnant). Only trouble is the person selling it by the metre has been on holiday and the listing has ended and she hasnt relisted it yet. I have contacted her to ask if she will do it but not heard yet.

Ameyturtle

mum2one wrote: »

Santa'sChallenge - September-
=Flu Jabs=
I know Ipopped a mother hen post, but please look into getting your flu jabs, somesurgeries have open days set by, but what I do is book an appointment, (can'tstand in q's).

But if youdon't fit the category and want one the Adsa, Boots, Tesco pharmacies offerthem, think Boots is £10.

Mum is the only one who has to have one being Diabetic, at least I don't think I have to have one I will check when I am at the doctors next week. Mum's is already booked though

=ChristmasCakes=
It's thattime where we should be thinking about whether we want Xmas Cakes or how manywe need to bake, - I'm doing some small ones on small baked beans cans are fab.

We don't like Christmas cake but I re ice a swiss roll for out yule log will start looking for one if not I'll make it instead

=TheConversation=
Now the timeto have the conversation, where am I going to be for Christmas, how many havewe got coming, can I lock the door and enjoy Christmas, also deliveringpresents, - work out with friends where you need to be. Also whether your working over Christmas when do you want your Christmas .

Hopefully there will be no visitors at Christmas and if there are they are not welcome. Do need to organise some delivering of presents and meeting some people caus I've not seen them in ages and we like to have a good natter and munch

=ChristmasEvents=
Have you gotparty, event, talk to other half andfamily members remind them where the calendar is (or whatever you use diaryetc), so if your mum's taxi - you know in advance.

As far as I'm aware I'm the only one who has a Christmas party to attend.

=WinterNights=
As it seemsto be winter drawing in early, -

check itemsare in full working order, - i.e. electric blanket,

OutsidePipes - if you have any outside pipes make sure there insulated, we have awater tap outside wall, I use an inflated kids armband - touch wood hasn't letus down.

Stopcock - It'sthe last thing we want anything to happen, but check where the stopcock in thehouse, and the outside one
Fusebox - do we know where it is???

Radiators - do they need bleeding,

Candles -Not just for romantic nights - but in case of power cut

Torch - Wekeep one bottom of stairs 1 at top - find where is best for you

Know where all of these are, Radiators do need bleeding. And I'm not certain where the stopcock is

=ChristmasCards=
Back tosomething nice, make a start on the Christmas cards, set a little target say 10a week, which ever suits you the best

Don't have many to write out this year will do these towards the end of November

=ChristmasExtras=
All thesupermarkets are starting to get their Xmas goodies in, Know every Thursday weget off granddad Hoodie, they've moved this, I had to walk up 4 aisles for it,- worth popping an item on the list, all helps out.

We are doing well for this we hope that come Christmas week we will only have the fresh stuff to buy

=ToiletRoll=
Oneessential for xmas, but normally over looked - there's bound to visitors sostock up on the loo rolls!

This we must do Will hopefully organise the airing cupboard abit so that we can get more that one pack in there

=Misshoodies Corner=
The part welove!! The cleaning challenge

Thewardrobes - give them a sort out and see what fits, doesn't fit, gathers dust,or what you keep just in case, do you really need it!

(Think wegot off quite lucky with that one)

This has been done recently but I do need to swap the shorts out of my easy access box and replace with jumpers and big chunky socks

=Last butLeast - Freezer=

No don'tpanic we're not cleaning it, if you get chance try some batch cooking, byNovember Christmas will have got caught up with everyone else, while we are allorganised! but some to hand meals will save us time - bound to be caught up inqueues and won't feel like cooking.

Freezers are choc solid, we know we need to get in them and find out what we've got and write a list and organise them, will try to start running them down

As always remember it is a pick and mix, - but don't forget the little treat when you've worked hard, whether its a bar of choc, or a long soak in the bath. xx

Think we've done well this month, I'm having a rubbish day today, I'm having abit of a Raynauds attack but noone seems to want to believe me, I'm feeling sad, and tired and most things annoy me today. Including my Dad who is drinking and is in D*ck mode this evening (sorry for the language)

I wanted to spend today allocating advent presents that I have already bought, I'm doing mum's advent but I want to surprise my best friend who lives in Wales with a collection of advent presents too, but I didn't get any of that done I'm just generally feeling cold and abit rubbish. Sorry to unload on everyone I'm going to cheer myself up this evening thought by snuggling into my pjs and onesie and get into bed, knit and watch love actually and probably munch chocolate:rotfl:

Everyone is progressing so well also those with Little Ones to buy for don't forget ARGOS 3 FOR 2 ON TOYS AND GAMES STARTS TOMORROW.

Love Amey xxx

mum2one

It must have been cold our heating cut in this afternoon, - it was originally set to cut in at 19C, we dropped it to 15.5, very mse!!

Mary - Hope the inspirational comes tomorrow, send some magic fairy dust to you!!

Rufus - Sorry hubby is working and nit nice shifts is there any of the family who will come and collect you for the day, you do so much for everyone else.

Amy - Hope u feel better, I love the idea of advent presents, being cheeky what are you putting in mums, think it sounds a lovely idea. Hope your feeling better soon, and we're all here for you.
.

shes been and choosen her bday present off mum and dad - shes having new bike, shes my daughter doesn't do everything by the book, - she needs 26in wheels (adults wheels), but a smaller frame - but the shops ordered one in for next week, - looks gorgeous bike. They fit it all up for her - £120 - factory shop - a lot cheaper than other specialist shops!

- seems weird - on the mse website and watching Martin lewis'a show, taped it earlier, xx

CathWales

Hello everyone. I've been reading bits of this thread, tho not all of it. I really want to make a start on Christmas, tho am not at all arty. Money situation is very bad, as it is for everyone and I have recently been doing surveys to get some money and vouchers. What I wanted to ask is, I have some Amazon codes and was hoping to put these in vouchers. I am sure there is a thread on the main site for making these on the computer so that I could just copy and paste the codes into the vouchers instead of buying then again and was hoping that someone could kindly point me in the right direction? Thanks:)

mum2one

CathWales wrote: »

Hello everyone. I've been reading bits of this thread, tho not all of it. I really want to make a start on Christmas, tho am not at all arty. Money situation is very bad, as it is for everyone and I have recently been doing surveys to get some money and vouchers. What I wanted to ask is, I have some Amazon codes and was hoping to put these in vouchers. I am sure there is a thread on the main site for making these on the computer so that I could just copy and paste the codes into the vouchers instead of buying then again and was hoping that someone could kindly point me in the right direction? Thanks:)

Hi Cath.
A big welcome to the thread, jump on board and we're all help you in ay wway we can with xmas, - don't worry about not being arty, my only art item I can do is a 1970s letter holder from blue Peter!

I'm guessing that the voucher codes would come by email and as long as you haven't put them onto an account, what about making a certificate, is there artclip, or even design a powerpoint and put the different codes in there.

Susan is the techincal lady, so she sould be able to put you in the right direction. xx