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

Money_maker

caitlyn22 wrote: »

Popped in to my little, local Mr Ts to see if they had the coal everyone has mentioned but they didn't so will have to try the superstore.

Have to say that I found the coal the other evening and was really disappointed. It was about 5-6 lumps of cinder toffee (honeycomb) in a clear plastic bag with a little bit of ribbon. Poorly presented and not worth £2.

Perhaps one of the cleverly creative peeps on here can create a home-made version more :money:?

Not sure if it's already been mentioned but chocolate oranges going for £1 from 25/9 for 1 week only at Co-Op.

tin_can

jemtom wrote: »

100 days to go yay :xmastree:

I am hoping to get half an hour to myself tomorrow to check ds hamper bits will all fit in the box, the batman bike wont fit in I don't think so that will just have to go in the santa pile.

love the list linky! although im still struggling with my parents and parents in law, I was thinking for in laws possibly a baking hamper as they both do cakes and things so:
bowls
toppings
icing sugar
food colouring
cupcake cases
possibly his and hers aprons (sew/put their names on?)
adli are having baking weekend this sunday if that helps
hopefully if I get a big enough bowl I can put everything in that.

we are really stumped for my parents haven't got a clue!!

I love those cakes they are amazing :T

adli are having a baking weekend special this weekend hope it helps you:xmastree:

tin_can

PoppyGirl wrote: »

Someone put the following picture on FB outlining their annoyance at Christmas stuff already in the shops, I am pacing waiting for it to land!! Everyone commente agreeing with her, I didn't like to ask where it was so I could go to that shop! Does anyone recognise the shelf edges etc? Usually I can work it out but am stuck!

looks like macro to me:xmassmile

freespirit66

Evening everyone
Am so shattered, i am going to finish up on here tonight and make hot water bottles for bed, im still cold and feel 'meh' DS is going to deal with workmen in the morning :jso i dont have to worry, i bet you anything though they wont sort it tomorrow and have to come back while DS is away :rotfl::rotfl:
FEISTY cant wait to see piccies of your gingerbread houses
PINKSTEPS oh god that is a big dent in your income, i hope you can sort something out
JEMTOM your labels look lovely
PRINCESSKITTY thankyou re: DS, i know i am really angry, i dont like this HA at all, they go on how caring they are, its a load of old tosh, oh dear thats not good about your oven door, was the food ruined from the glass? Why dont they use different glass its obviously a design fault people dont want to be waiting for it to happen again
MONEYMAKER thanks for that tip about chocolate oranges at the co-op

Nanamia

Mrsinvisible what are you like, wrong blinking meds? Please be careful Lovely of your friend to take DGS to school in her new car, bet he'll love it too. I do hope you managed to stay away from any heavy machinery today, well heavier than the kettle I had to reread your post thinking you were talking about DGS not DS2, thinking blooming hek that boy has grown fast haha xxx
Murie really hoping you are feeling more like your old self really soon x
Pinknfluffy even tho your meds aren't pleasant to take they'll be so worth it if they do the trick. Fingers and toes crossed that they make a difference next week It's a good sign tho that DH has noticed improvements already - I'm really pleased xxx
Snugglebunny thank you for the info about the 'tarts'. I was thinking along the same lines about the primark throws, they were such good quality last year. Although I bought hand towels from there last week to replace other primark hand towels and noticed the quality was nowhere near as good hoping the throws are not the same xxx
Bunbun I originally thought ooh lucky you and then realised you'd miss DH who's been around 24/7 for so long Didn't think it'd be the dog missing him haha. Glad he enjoyed his day though, hopefully build his confidence and give him an all round boost. Keep a close eye on him tho we don't want him over doing it. Argh I felt as I read about you brother and parents just argh. Reminds me why I have no contact with mine! Constantly set myself up for being hurt over and over
Ameyturtle Oooh thank you for the tip off will look out in B&M for the wax burners I think sainsburys had kindle cases reduced last time I was in, pretty one. So that's your mum sorted and you know what dads having, wow u r on a roll xxx
Cymrumum fingers crossed a fab pram turns up soon x
Msgigglewick had to chuckle at your DD, subtle hey You are definitely our slimmer of the year, I hope you are really really proud of yourself, and you didn't let on whilst I've been wittering on about weighing in etc- you dark horse you! That's exactly what I've been doing, following the plan but never been to a meeting, I know where to come for tips now xxx
Fevertotell hope it passes very soon and you can begin to feel like yourself x
Linky thank you about my colours scheme, I may still be back to pick your brain again very soon I did laugh at the YouTube clip. I often wonder how you find time to do all the things you do. I know you've your hands full at the mo managing our countdown but I could do with you whipping the rest of my day into shape too. Time and motion study??? Glad your TC problem is finally sorted. Love the look of that new album too xxx
Cornishmummyof4[\B] sorry you are off on the sick but your makes sound fab. Big welcome to you, I think you'll like it here:) Keep us posted on your makes and pictures we love picture. Let me know if you spot any cute material suitable for Christmas bedding, I've been thinking of that for DGD2 x
Yummymummyof2 how clever is that link. I didn't particularly want one before but I do now thank you x
Jemtom the board game sounds brill, well do how organised you are. The tags look fab, so personalised with time and love.
Katmum as Linky says you are out now, no turning back. What a truly beautiful thing to say You are officially one of us now. Together we try to keep the Christmas spirit alive all year round. Really looking forward to hearing about your preperations xxx
Feisty originally as I read through this evening I read Feisty pjs and taking it easy !!!!! Have you been swapped by aliens? Mr Feisty available to take your temperature? Can somebody arrange for a dr? Then as I read further on, I noticed that your working brain was still ticking over phew I was worried there for a moment haha. I must agree with the positive comments about lakeland, it is my very favourite shop. I just love it, the customer service is amazing, both online and in store, the assistants can never be more helpful and all the items on sale have been tried and tested (by lakeland) before they deserve a place on there shelves. Ages ago there was a slight mix up with an online postal order of mine which was immediately and efficiently solved, I was also given a refund,missing item posted out immediately and told to keep the item that had arrived accidentally, if I couldn't make use of it they asked if I could donate to a local charity. You can not say fairer than that xxx
Mrs Moneypenny your makes are always fantastic I'm guilty of lurking too! Stick with us our Linky is whipping us into shape x
Freespirit I've been thinking about DS today but couldn't get on to read-been manic here! I'm delighted that he got a better response today, as he so totally deserved too obviously! And that they've offered him a job everything happens for a reason doesn't it. I'm keeping everything crossed that the drain problem is sorted tomorrow whilst DS is in charge! But then I'm gonna nag the living day lights out of you till you get to the drs! You've really been off colour and not yourself of way too long. Argh I do not know how your DD kept her temper, sounds to me like a sevre case of the green eyed monster! xxx
Caitlyn I want to give you a big kiss and a great big hug You do have such a way with you as I know I've mentioned before, but it's so uplifting thank you. I don't know about secret Santa I feel like lobbying for Caitlyn for prime minister xxx
Pinksteps what on earth is going on, hope Linky has been able to advise you. I can't imagine how you can suddenly be down by such a huge amount. Really hoping its been a terrible mistake! Hope you find some comfort in the order of lists xxx
Princess I do several stocking cos I love them Two in particular for two friends in their 80s the first year I did it the gentleman cried saying he'd not had anything like it since he was a little boy. Must admit, I felt the same about the satsumas being a bit pricey, hopefully they'll go on offer soon. Oooh no your cooker, I do remember seeing a story a while ago on watchdog or something similar about oven glass. You are so lucky DH or anybody wasn't injured, imagine if you'd had little ones in the kitchen at the time It could've been so much worse. I don't envy you the clearing and sorting tho, hopefully you'll be compensated and won't have to pay for a new one! xxx
MoneyMaker Thank you for the tip off for the chocolate oranges at the coop Is the coal not black? Have I missed that? X
Tin can Thank you I'm off to look for the aldi email, see the baking things x

Nanamia

I really am going to have to try and post in the day. It's getting so festively busy on here by the time I've read and chattered I've taken up a blooming page! Sorry folks xxx

Nanamia household is still well and truly upside down. The good news is the plastering is finished woo hoo. Can't tell if it looks fab yet but will keep you posted. Thanks for the positive comments on the wallpaper choice. Stil got to convince DH, slowly does it.
Due to a mix up I with one of my DNs I went to see the consultant today with DSiL awww I love that lady, she's inspirational. Doing brill three month check up woo hoo, that gives her a few weeks off hospital trips.
Came home to a message form my DF (poorly friend who was on the mend) to say she has a lump and is to go back to the specialist Couldn't do any ringing round for her cos it was by now after hours. Hopefully get some good news for her tomorrow, unfortunately she was on her own and is very mixed up what was actually said.
And DH has an appointment with his surgeon in the morning, should've just topped and tailed with somebody whilst I was there with DSiL this afternoon looks like we are going to be spending some time there tomorrow. Really hoping that DH gets a positive appointment and that my friend has misinterpreted what was said. Will be back tomorrow xxx

Flowfy

choc oranges are 99p right now at morrisons. I bought 2 last night from a morrisons near Holmfirth, Yorkshire.

I didn't see the choc satsumas last year on offer because my ds loves them and kept asking for them, but I may be wrong.

making nigellas Christmas morning muffins today half to eat, half for the freezer. also a giant chilli, again half for our evening meal and half for the freezer.

I have 2 meals now ready for the Christmas meal plan. the other is beef in mulled wine with chestnuts, which was an invention of mine.

I am trying to bake at least one thing a week and cook at least 2 so that I have little cooking to do from December 1st. As I have to go out every night with my son playing Christmas concerts etc. it can be a good thing. we are at the Trafford centre in Manchester 2 days which means I will do any shopping from there on those days. also, I think the other Saturdays are spent in Leeds town centre. the evenings are more local jobs in Manchester, Rochdale and West Yorkshire. Off to 2 rehearsals with 2 different bands/groups tonight. the first one is already practicing 'The Nutcracker' and my son is doing the complicated Glockenspiel/Xylophone part. then rush over the hills to do a 2 hour rehearsal with 'The Yorkshire Tea Band'. its all go.

Bought a glorious advent calendar yesterday from the card company Pheonix, through my friend. a 3D snowy village, each house is numbered and you can put choc/sweets in.

murie

Didn't get any cutting done last night so my gingerbread 'family' is still a few members short. Had a new phone delivered yesterday (mine was unrepairable under the warranty) so spent all last night trying to tweak it (wallpapers, tunes etc) -all was going ok til my Uncle in Canada started BB'ing me-phone kept having to reboot after I installed apps, he was getting annoyed with me cus there were long delays in me replying so I ended up stressed out before I went to bed-not conducive to a good nights sleep!

Freespirt- as the Churchill dog on the advert says- 'Oh yes!' I do feel sick with it and when there is a flare up I 'up chuck' every time I move!:(. I do feel a lot better with these tablets tho .

To everyone who has 'issues ' with tax credits etc- I feel for you and hope you get it sorted soon.

Nanamia-what a day you had yesterday! Hope things are better today and that your friend is OK (really really hope its not as bad as she thinks) and that your husband's appt goes well. Bet you didn't get much sleep last night.

I thought the Tesco coal was black? I'm disappointed now! I suppose you could make home made honeycomb and add a tiny touch of black food colouring but not sure how messy that would be when its eaten!! I had a thought about it and remembered that Poundland had potato bags in rough cotton that could be made into little coal sacks with maybe 'coal' stencilled on?


Brought a light up ball from pets at home when I was out with my sis on Monday-used it over the park with my dog this morning in the dark-what with that and her pink flashing collar (she has a habit of taking off after foxes!) bet people in the houses overlooking the park must have thought the aliens had landed!!:rotfl:

Hope everyone has a productive and positive day xxx

FeistyFidget

Nanamia wrote: »

I really am going to have to try and post in the day. It's getting so festively busy on here by the time I've read and chattered I've taken up a blooming page! Sorry folks xxx

Nanamia household is still well and truly upside down. The good news is the plastering is finished woo hoo. Can't tell if it looks fab yet but will keep you posted. Thanks for the positive comments on the wallpaper choice. Stil got to convince DH, slowly does it.
Due to a mix up I with one of my DNs I went to see the consultant today with DSiL awww I love that lady, she's inspirational. Doing brill three month check up woo hoo, that gives her a few weeks off hospital trips.
Came home to a message form my DF (poorly friend who was on the mend) to say she has a lump and is to go back to the specialist Couldn't do any ringing round for her cos it was by now after hours. Hopefully get some good news for her tomorrow, unfortunately she was on her own and is very mixed up what was actually said.
And DH has an appointment with his surgeon in the morning, should've just topped and tailed with somebody whilst I was there with DSiL this afternoon looks like we are going to be spending some time there tomorrow. Really hoping that DH gets a positive appointment and that my friend has misinterpreted what was said. Will be back tomorrow xxx

I really hope your friend just got mixed up and that your DH has a good appointment. The wallpaper is lovely and you are right, I didn't take the afternoon off

Flowfy wrote: »

choc oranges are 99p right now at morrisons. I bought 2 last night from a morrisons near Holmfirth, Yorkshire.

I didn't see the choc satsumas last year on offer because my ds loves them and kept asking for them, but I may be wrong.

making nigellas Christmas morning muffins today half to eat, half for the freezer. also a giant chilli, again half for our evening meal and half for the freezer.

I have 2 meals now ready for the Christmas meal plan. the other is beef in mulled wine with chestnuts, which was an invention of mine.

I am trying to bake at least one thing a week and cook at least 2 so that I have little cooking to do from December 1st. As I have to go out every night with my son playing Christmas concerts etc. it can be a good thing. we are at the Trafford centre in Manchester 2 days which means I will do any shopping from there on those days. also, I think the other Saturdays are spent in Leeds town centre. the evenings are more local jobs in Manchester, Rochdale and West Yorkshire. Off to 2 rehearsals with 2 different bands/groups tonight. the first one is already practicing 'The Nutcracker' and my son is doing the complicated Glockenspiel/Xylophone part. then rush over the hills to do a 2 hour rehearsal with 'The Yorkshire Tea Band'. its all go.

Bought a glorious advent calendar yesterday from the card company Pheonix, through my friend. a 3D snowy village, each house is numbered and you can put choc/sweets in.

Your Christmas sounds wonderfully festive! I hope you have an amazing time and well done on getting the food frozen, that will be a god send once December roles round!

murie wrote: »

Didn't get any cutting done last night so my gingerbread 'family' is still a few members short. Had a new phone delivered yesterday (mine was unrepairable under the warranty) so spent all last night trying to tweak it (wallpapers, tunes etc) -all was going ok til my Uncle in Canada started BB'ing me-phone kept having to reboot after I installed apps, he was getting annoyed with me cus there were long delays in me replying so I ended up stressed out before I went to bed-not conducive to a good nights sleep!

Freespirt- as the Churchill dog on the advert says- 'Oh yes!' I do feel sick with it and when there is a flare up I 'up chuck' every time I move!:(. I do feel a lot better with these tablets tho .

To everyone who has 'issues ' with tax credits etc- I feel for you and hope you get it sorted soon.

Nanamia-what a day you had yesterday! Hope things are better today and that your friend is OK (really really hope its not as bad as she thinks) and that your husband's appt goes well. Bet you didn't get much sleep last night.

I thought the Tesco coal was black? I'm disappointed now! I suppose you could make home made honeycomb and add a tiny touch of black food colouring but not sure how messy that would be when its eaten!! I had a thought about it and remembered that Poundland had potato bags in rough cotton that could be made into little coal sacks with maybe 'coal' stencilled on?


Brought a light up ball from pets at home when I was out with my sis on Monday-used it over the park with my dog this morning in the dark-what with that and her pink flashing collar (she has a habit of taking off after foxes!) bet people in the houses overlooking the park must have thought the aliens had landed!!:rotfl:

Hope everyone has a productive and positive day xxx

The thought of your dog inducing alien abduction panics really made me laugh :rotfl:

So sorry to all of you that are having tax credit issues. Pink I don't understand how you are no longer eligible?!? Really hope your appeal is a success.

Freespirit - WOOHOO! So glad your DS gone that job Although people are embarrassed about working there, they are said to be quite good for working your way up Fingers crossed workmen get it sorted with DS today

Well we finally had a courtesy call back from solicitors today (week and a half late!) to say that due to the lengthy, complicated issues in DH case (against the NHS) it needs to be discussed among the partners. Not sure if this is a good thing (as they haven't automatically skimmed through and said no) or a bad thing. Still no word from the hospital and they promised an MRI within 2 weeks, which will be Friday :mad:

DH is being taken to actually see inside the shop (properly) today as I need to go and pay my hefty deposit :eek: He said he is excited, which is a bit of a revelation for him! So fingers crossed all goes well I am also looking forward to looking round as it is now officially soon to be mine!

Hope everyone has a good day

msgigglewick

Money_maker wrote: »

Have to say that I found the coal the other evening and was really disappointed. It was about 5-6 lumps of cinder toffee (honeycomb) in a clear plastic bag with a little bit of ribbon. Poorly presented and not worth £2.

Perhaps one of the cleverly creative peeps on here can create a home-made version more :money:?

Not sure if it's already been mentioned but chocolate oranges going for £1 from 25/9 for 1 week only at Co-Op.

Cider toffee is honeycomb.......i think. so if you add black food colouring into the golden syrup before you heat through then add the bicarb in theory it should be black lol