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

Spendless

Thanks for the birthday wishes.:j and Happy Birthday to my fellow Birthday Girl whitesatin.:T

So far I've bought a dress out of my birthday money. DH has been invited to something to do with work and the dress code is 'black tie and cocktail dress. Haven't the foggiest what I signed up to in SimplyBe but it got me 10% off.:D If it turns out to be a storecard I shan't be buying anything on it anyway.:p

Got DD kitted out in Primark as she lacks 'bottoms' as in tracksuit bottoms/trousers/jeans/leggings as she's going on a school residential soon. We also did Claire's in Meadowhall, the 5 for £5 again. This time she got a 1D watch plus other accessories. I snaffled away a key-ring with her initial on it, but what I am most gutted about is there was a make up kit in there, brushes, blusher, eye-shadow, mascara, lip glosses. Full price was £12. I thought it had been mixed in by error, so I asked SA about it and it WAS in the 5 for £5.:eek: But I'd already shown it DD, otherwise I would have saved that for xmas. If anyone is buying for a girl who is a tween or an early teen I'd suggest going in and having a look. Maybe not an older teen though as they tend to [STRIKE]want more expensive stuff[/STRIKE] have more sophisticated tastes.;)

I also picked up a 1D calendar in The Works and browsed the annuals in WH Smith which had no price on them and when I queried it, was told it was the full price on the back. As if I'm going to pay full price for something! :rotfl:

Boots has most of it's xmas stock out and I had a quick look but I'd left DD next door in WHS playing with Kobo readers so didn't stop too long.:o

freespirit66

Afternoon everyone,
Thanks for all the tips of what is in the shops at the moment, i have finished my 3rd task of this weeks challenge and wrote my xmas cards, so my challenge is all finished and up to date this week miss

JUNIORJ YES def needs some tinsel to brighten it up lol, hope you are feeling ok today
RUTH_HONEY that is a lovely idea, what about mincemeat flapjacks they are lovely
SEQUEENA sorry things are tough at the moment sending you lots of hugs
DEBNDOT ooh i bet that smells lovely
SPENDLESS glad you had a lovely shop

pinknfluffy28

GRRRR! I have just managed to catch up on the last 6 pages, written out all my replies on word, and then like an idiot, forgot to copy & paste before deleting the document! Will try again once the kids are in bed!

OMO - could you please add me to the pinterest link (I didnt realise there was one going!) and I will get round to following all you lovelies tonight.
http://www.pinterest.com/athomeatherapy/boards/

I got the christmas mag yesterday, I must admit Im not overly impressed, some pretty pictures to look at, but very little in the way of ideas/articles!

Ruth_honey

ellie9ellie wrote: »

I think they do Christmas Hot Chocolate and Christmas coffees but I'll keep a look out for Christmas teas x

I've got some hot chocolate with winter spices. Might get one with chili in too(warming!) and Starbuck$ do a Christmas coffee you can buy to make at home.
Not seen a 'Christmas' tea yet, but a cranberry fruit tea is a bit festive. Maybe cranberry and orange?

dropsofjupiter wrote: »

That sounds like a lovely idea! It's definitely out there http://www.englishteastore.com/spchtea.html

Your link made me check Twinings website, which has a winter spice fruit tea. Might checkout their shop when I'm next in the area. Thanks!

freespirit66 wrote: »

Afternoon everyone,
Thanks for all the tips of what is in the shops at the moment, i have finished my 3rd task of this weeks challenge and wrote my xmas cards, so my challenge is all finished and up to date this week miss

JUNIORJ YES def needs some tinsel to brighten it up lol, hope you are feeling ok today
RUTH_HONEY that is a lovely idea, what about mincemeat flapjacks they are lovely
SEQUEENA sorry things are tough at the moment sending you lots of hugs
DEBNDOT ooh i bet that smells lovely
SPENDLESS glad you had a lovely shop

Mincemeat flapjacks? Sounds tasty. I'll google for recipes. Bought some jars of mincemeat in sainsbury a while back, so would be good to use those.

What sandwiches could I make for my veggie friend? Obviously can do turkey/stuffing/cranberry for the meat eaters but not good at veggie things.

kaya1991

Hello!

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but my mum popped to ASDA today and picked up some Yankee Candles (Simply Home range) and they were only £1 each for the little sampler candles with some festive scents! We have Cranberry Zest and Cherry Vanilla, so if you want some cheaper branded Yankee Candles you can get your festive fix, or they'd be great for a little hamper According to the website the Simply Home range is also available at B&Q and Tesco but not sure whether or not the prices would be the same!

Own_My_Own

pinknfluffy28 wrote: »

OMO - could you please add me to the pinterest link (I didnt realise there was one going!) and I will get round to following all you lovelies tonight.
http://www.pinterest.com/athomeatherapy/boards/

And done. It's post 25 page 2

bunty109

:bdaycake::bdaycake::bdaycake: Happy Birthday Spendless and Whitesatin.

Well, I've ordered Christmas cards and wrap. Picked up some money wallets today as we want to give children some foreign currency for Christmas (holiday in April). Also got a bar of chocolate for MIL which is made in Caribbean for her Caribbean hamper. Feel like I am doing ok and had some other bits arrive this,week. Mum is coming over and flights are booked so need to sort presents for my parents for the end of November.

mrs-moneypenny

happy birthday Spendless and Whitesatin and anyone else whose celebrating

not done much christmassy today, nipped in B&Q but nothing out yet and havent spotted any christmas catalogues anywhere

sorted a bottle of red out for sis birthday hamper and remembered id got a wine fund money box as well so ive added that to the list

going to watch a film tonight and do a bit more knitting

FeistyFidget

Ruth_honey wrote: »

Happy birthday Spendless & Whitesatin! Have a lovely day.

Primark had some Christmas jumpers in. Get them now before they sell out! Had kids, men's and ladies. Cute accessories too. Very tempted, but maybe if I hint enough, I'll get them as stocking fillers...:)

Been to a Macmillan coffee morning at a friends house. Shocked at how many people didn't turn up or cancelled last minute. It's for charity, so make an effort! Ate too much cake, I think as I felt quite sick.

I'm thinking about holding a Christmas afternoon tea as something a bit different. Any suggestions on what to serve? Obviously mince pies and mulled wine, but what else...? Are there any teas that taste 'Christmassy'?

There is a lot out there, but a bit pricey;

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=482130458511852&set=a.482129895178575.109968.482105065181058&type=3&theater

The altnative would be to make your own Christmas blend - very MSE

http://ourkitchen.fisherpaykel.com/recipe/christmas-tea/

Well I've done all but the food list was getting a bit depressed that I couldn't carry on with shopping as out of money, but then remembered that I have £20ish pounds in topcashback that can be converted to amazon vouchers - have added a few more items and am waiting to hear back from inlaws on what they would like too feeling very organised - will hopefully get those 5 pressies wrapped tomorrow too!

Right off to waste some time on Pinterest

Crowdpleaser

Evening Chrimbles...

JuniorJ, that looks proper fierce! Your right a bit of tinsel or lametta will really set it off....
Freespirit66, mincemeat flapjacks sound right up my tree!

Well took the kids to a soft play party this morning, they had a lovely time but have been little sods all afternoon. Sigh. DH has to go to work tonight to strike a huge show from the theatre, will be roughly a 12 hour one so have spent the day alone whilst he sleeps as will tomorrow

Feeling very down today (tmi but mainly coz the curse is here) and got such a sore tummy. Today was one of those days that I really miss my Mum. She lives 200 miles away and today was a day I really wished she lived round the corner for me to pop by for a cuppa tea and a chat. I'll be okay, just feeling sorry for myself

My non-perishables list is written as is my card list. Mine is very short as I only buy for relatives we don't see and put money saved into the scbu. We talked at work other day and said no cards but everyone is gonna bring a cake and some nice drink on the Friday before xmas to munch on thru the shifts (we are all HUGE cake fans). So that's to look forward to.

Added a new Christmas eve hamper category to my Christmas app today. Lots of ideas there.

Right am off to attempt to get to target on swagbucks and scoff a portion of rhubarb crumble Ive dug out the freezer...

Love and hugs to all who need them xxx