*The Holly and the Ivy* and the You Know What 2013 Chatter Thread.

FeistyFidget

Have woken up feeling a little better today, but am about to attempt some car mechanics in the cold (after family issues, I have decided to just carry on being independent then be guilt-ed into 'help' that is actually hindrance) so will probably be feeling; upset, cold, angry and frustrated by the time I finish - Think I will treat myself to a trip into town as a treat

Although I had a lovely day and was rather spoilt, I really think this was the most unchristmassy I have ever felt I had the urge to take the decorations down yesterday, and even found a gingerbread banner that I bought but never assembled Here's to hoping that a more organised 2013 brings me that Christmas spirit

Off to check out those links now......

black_cat

weeclick wrote: »

Hope OH is ok! I wasn't well at all on christmas eve night and most of christmas day itself with stomach ache (self inflicted as I hadnt been taking my tablets to keep a stomach problem at bay!) Ended up taking tramadol at 6am and made for a very interesting morning lol


Have also set up an online christmas budget document and filling up nicely! Dreading work on Friday have had such a lovely few days off but determined to make the most of tomorrow while BF is away back to work!

Thanks weeclick. Tramadol did the trick for OH. Hope you're now feeling better.

You've reminded me to start my 2013 spreadsheets - a bit of a faff, but I love it when they're up and running!

Snugglebunny8

morning all, meant to say a big thanks to OMO for the links

OH in work for one day today, felt like waking up in the middle of the night!! bought new fridge in the sales (exciting!) as ours leaks and has to have the door wedged shut its so old! so sorely needed I guess

I meant to say, everyone was really suprised and pleased with their CE hampers and loved having something full of bits to open in the afternoon, they also really loved the candy sleighs on the dinner table, I couldnt get the Christmas scratch cards as they had sold out, so will get them earlier next year!

I was very spoiled and had some really lovely gifts, I too have a (very small this year) box that bits which arent really 'me' go into for recycling, usually bits from my mum lol! I did get an M&S gift voucher this year (going into my tin of vouchers for next Christmas for yummy food etc) and in my stocking I got a couple of things to eat that I dont like but OH does so he was happy! ... it would also appear that the body butter from the Body Shop that I thought she loved for her birthday she clearly didnt ...as I got it back in my stocking ... and I thought she liked it so I got her another one ...in HER stocking!! LMAO! so funny!

Ive started saving with the M&S voucher, must keep up to date on VO for vouchers through the year better this year, Ive decided to save nectar points all year rather than use then as I go along whenever they are payable against a shop.

If I come in under budget on my weekly food shop then Im going to get £10 cashback and put it away for Christmas food, and also try and plan ahead on what books, DVDs, films etc are coming out during the year and watch prices for pre order via Camelcamelcamel

Im actually really shocked that somebody said you couldnt get their child a decent present for £10!!?? wow thats a little bit rude isnt it?! one of my favourite gifts I was given this Christmas was under a pound! my lovely DD searched high and low for a particular Yankee candle votive that I absolutely love which is hard to find and that meant so much to me - and a lot of the gifts I got people were under £10 .. admittedly they wouldnt always know that as the RRP was higher, but £10 for me you can buy wonderful things, is it just me?? most of my gifts were under that and everyone was so pleased with their gifts - my mum gives £10 each for my children and they both got DVDs that they were really pleased with and were what they really wanted (I got them!)

kingfisherblue

Morning everyone. I've just joined a thread on the Moneysavingexpert Mums board as well, to get organised in everyday life. I hope both threads will encourage and motivate me.

Last night I sat down with my list of presents that are left in my cupboard. I have rather a lot , but at least I won't have to rush out and buy something on the last minute if I need something unexpectedly. I updated my list and started to link things for hampers. I also made a note of what was appreciated the most over Christmas, any suggestions made by other family members, and any ideas. For example, my son loves Bear Grylls and has three of the boxed sets of DVDs, and this year I suggested to my mum that my nephew might like them as well. He was delighted, so an idea forthw future is to complete the collection for both boys.

Based on the stuff left in my present cupboard (Which is actually two sets of boxes, one Seagrass and the other pink with a heart pattern on the lids ),I am thinking of a pamper hamper for my niece, craft hamper for one of my sons and a games hamper for my other son. I am also thinking of a teatray/breakfast style gift for my in laws for Christmas next year.

It's great reading everyone's ideas and experiences, and I look forward to getting to know you all better this coming year.

KFB x

Betsie2010

That's what I need too kingfisherblue. No last minute panics for me in 2013, just lots of forward planned calmness :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

jakesbakescakes

Morning all
Snugglebunny - I laughed out loud reading about your body butter dilemma - how funny!!!! Also, I would higly recommend saving up your nectar points, I have done this for the last couple of years and find it really useful to save them for the Arg*s 342 toy sale that usually comes around in september-time (they actually done it more than once this year). Although Arg*s can be a bit pricey it is very bargainous if you are buying toys 342 plus only spending nectar points on them - it is basically free

Whilst I have had a very lovely xmas, been spoilt rotten and thoroughly enjoyed my family time - I am struggling to have OH at home now the novelty has worn off! Lol! everytime i reach for my laptop he asks 'what are you looking at now?!' argghh... how i'm yearning for a bit of quiet 'me-time'. Shouldn't really complain tho as from 2nd Jan he will be working away for 4 weeks solid so I'll definately be missing him then!
Right, onwards and upwards- we are off on a family panto trip, yippee, Hope you all have a lovely Thursday x

picnmix

Hi all :santa2:

Had a great few days, lots of laughter and fun.

Am also back at work today, on my break now with a hot cuppa and a mince pie, still feeling xmassy and itching to get back home to the festivities.

So pleased we have a shiny new thread for 2013, would have missed you guys!

Here's to 2013 _party_

Archiebear

Ahem....as you can see I'm obviously late for the 2013 party

OMO you really are super organised...thank you so much for the new thread and all the wonderful links!!

Huge ((hugs)) to all those for whom Christmas Day did not live up to expectations, it can be a real disappointment especially when you've worked so hard.

I've had the best Christmas in many, many years (I previously lived with a Bah Humbug) ...it was absolutely wonderful and I am still walking on air:) My grown up children were thrilled with their hampers, pots of gold and stockings...and 1 year old DGS took until 5pm to open all his presents (not all from me I hasten to add!). Even the dinner worked well, just the right size turkey, gorgeous roasties and delicious puds.

I feel like I may be tempting fate by saying that I am determined that 2013 will be MY year. I want to be debt free, slim(mer) and have more time for me instead of working crazy hours all the time. Probably too much to wish for but am going to give it a go....roll on the New Year!

Anyone else have resolutions (or wishes?) for 2013?

Crowdpleaser

Hi all, love the new thread, thanks omo!

Well my chrimbo was pretty crap due to a grumpy dh. Kids had a grear time tho.


Love the idea of putting bits in stockings as I buy them, a third of kids stuff.didn't fit this year!

Am still in devon with my mum at mo and kids. Drive back to milton keynes tomorrow, hate the drive

Then to find homes for all the new toys in a tiny house. Hate that bit. I want some clip lock boxes about double size of a shoe box for storing toys. Anyone seen any good value? Dd1 had lots of Lego friends and playmobil and dd2 had sylvanians so wanna store them.

Resolutions?
Tidy, repair and keep house clean so we can start to contemplate moving!
Cook more from scratch.
Find a good job, am being made redundant in Feb
Help dd1 more with school reading.
Have more patience.

Will that do for starters? Hugs to all who.need them

Crowdy x

couldsavemore_2

hello to everyone hope you don't mind me joining in

So glad I've found this thread now. I've been walking the dog and planning ahead for next Christmas and DD birthday, then the thought came that maybe others are like minded and that there may be a thread and there is brilliant.

I like to make cards so aim to make so many a month to keep on top of them ready for all birthdays and Christmas. also want to buy stocking fillers each week in with the weekly shop and make some gifts if possible.

we have all had a lovely Christmas but I'm glad it's over going to start some serious debt busting in January. New year's resolution is to plan ahead for everything.