5 years MFW - Lets get cracking...

HelenDaveKids

Hiya NP

Earlier on in week was on ebay bit of forum, as someone always seems to have inside info and someone had posted.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=40

I also got an email announcement but that was just before, and i'd known for days then.

I don't think they'll all sell but even if i make a few quid for my pot (or OH shed fund!)

HelenDaveKids

Plan for this weeks day off is Materials Management. Which means I need to look through my cupboards as currently disorganised, so I buy more of the stuff I have loads off (toilet cleaner) and have none / little of other stuff (disinfectant). Had this problem before and worked out that its because i keep stuff in random places making it hard to know what I have left, then I overbuy.

Also (looking at others diaries) need to get back on meal planning, rather than wandering in, hungry and having to produce meals without any thought (never even defrost by leaving out as I literally never give it a thought). Was doing better at this a few weeks ago, was making say beef casserole type meal and doing more than needed, using leftovers for a shepherds pie or 2, but youngest 2 moaned and moaned and left me disheartened. Need to refocus!

Also need to ring l & G, cashed in one of our endowment policies yet the money has still gone out, despite having got the money the week before, its only £17.49 but its my £17.49!

Also need to price check my asda and put in my last weeks price check money into pot.

Keeping an eye on my ebay - always find it quite exciting, Never posted anything before, always buyer to collect stuff on ebay, so feeling a bit nervous about my postage pricing. Used the guide, just hope Ive done it right

gallygirl

HelenDaveKids wrote: »

Plan for this weeks day off is Materials Management.

Oh, I like that better than 'clean out my cupboards as I'm a slovenly, disorganised mare' :rotfl:.

A day of batch cooking here too. I'm on my own most of the week so only myself to blame if I don't like what I serve up .

Ebay is 1st thing in the morning and last thing at night when I have stuff listed so you are not alone .

HelenDaveKids

Can't help myself. It almost like a gambling addiction, counting my watchers...

Yes, materials management makes me feel better than jeez what a mess....... must admit your description is much closer to reality!!!!!

HelenDaveKids

Gosh, addicted or what. Quick ebay check before I go to work.
Was trying to watch the news but big furry ginger thing has decided that his new "spot" is right in the middle of the tv cabinet so can only see the sides!

Have a nice day folks!

nattypants

I am in awe of your organisational skills and dedication to Ebay!

Sending best wishes that you are rewarded with lots of fast, straightforward, and 'big bid' sales:)

NP:D

HelenDaveKids

Thanks NP, still only 1 item with 1 bid but more watchers.

Just in from work as on a short shift today, tea on, kids collected (theyve all got friends home for tea - doing sausage, mash and veg as "safe") - very noisey upstairs, may need to beat youngest child shortly!:mad:

Rang L&G and money will be refunded.

HelenDaveKids

Day off today (working long day saturday) so have sorted my cleaning cupboard, thrown lots of used empty cans of furnish polish (buy smart price as kids do their own rooms and tend to be very heavy handed) as well as general straighten.
Also cleaned out my finance draw, out with old reciepts, cheque book stubbs and other stuff that I have a more up todate statement on. Big bin full of recycle and drawer definitely lighter!
Quick pile of ironing done as watched homes under the hammer (sneaky pleasure but could justify whilst ironing)
Have done double amounts for tea as will use leftovers for shep pie tomoz (middle daughter will sulk but a) will save time will save cooking c) tough!

Starting to think about christmas (other posters scaring me) fortunately I've dramatically reduced my buy for list, took about 3 years but now perfect. Was at one point buying for
Friends (4) their kids (7)
Parents / grandparents (6)
Uncles (1)
Siblings (have total of 5 betwen us, 10 if include OH but didnt buy for all (3)
nephews / nieces (12)
OH (1)
own Kids (3)

Is that 37!

It wasnt just the money (although it was getting daft), it was the stress of buying, wrapping, delivering. Felt under incredible pressure and it became a chore rather than an enjoyable experience.

First year reduced anyone didnt see frequently in year, so my side nephews / nieces
Following year reduced friends and kids to my 2 best mates and only 1 mates kids
Last year stopped buying nephews / nieces altogether. Grandparents unfortunately no longer around.

Now I buy OH (1) Kids (3) Parents (4) brother - as now single (1) Friends (2) friends kids (3)
total 14

I did do nicely, explained to each nicely, I think I only offended 1 friend (who didnt have nearly as many rellies) but not too much.

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

I did a similar thing a couple of years ago, at first I thought under my tree seemed mean - not enough gifts - last year I piled 3 tins of chocs on one side and everyone was delighted.

I think many families will be celebrating differently this year. I have set DD and DS a challenge to make our gifts (M&D) with nothing purchased at all - so who knows what we will get

Good luck with your journey Tilly x

HelenDaveKids

That sounds a good idea. My oldest spends ages eaking out her money so everyone gets a small gift. Shes already been on ebay and picked up 2 dvds and is "watching" one for her dad.
I have a present cupboard and buy bits all year, not doing so well this year though as being really money conscious.