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

Spendless

Continuing to dip into the thread but no chance of reading every post at min.

Can't believe how expensive everything is becoming. I live in a large market town and so far have managed to escape a lot of the rising grocery prices because it's always far cheaper at the market, but today I even refused to buy some of the items there as they were too dear. Husband says he's leaving me at home next time cos I grumble too much.

Had to dip in my present cupboard twice this week. Once for DD's BFF as it was her birthday. I dug out a coin purse bought in Boots 75% off sale and the other time is for DD's school residential as she needs a small torch and I had one also put away as a potential stocking filler for DS but it will just become an item of the household afterwards anyway so doesn't matter who gets it. I love when I can shop out of my cupboards like that. I think of it as the non-food equivalent of eating out of the freezer.

BHS were putting out their Xmas stock today in my store, so don't think it'll be long before it's all out.

BTW - I've had lush bath bombs in the house months before they were actually used and they've been fine. Store them somewhere safe though, so they can't get knocked and part crumble.

Nanamia

Freespirit argh no way. I can't believe the antler has broken already How are you going with the glue, paint spray ? Have you sprayed everything in site DD suffers from IBS so I know exactly what you mean, hope you are feeling better today xxx
Debndot ooooh if off to look for the hand print Santa your makes sound amazing, I'm hoping to do a few things with DGD2 she loves spending time baking (almost as much as I like doing it with her haha) You'll have a place of your own one day (fingers crossed) and then you'll have so many ideas Enjoy your day out with the trains tomorrow xxx
Ruth_honey thank you, back off to check for the nativity You should live in Australia- DS BBQs breakfast, lunch and dinner, seems there is very little you can't cook on there haha xxx
Mrs M aww I can't resist the Christmas Prima! Have you had chance to read it yet? X
Loubylou hiya, thanks for the sainsburys DVD link. We do have a rule on here, once you pop out of lurkdome you are not allowed back in. Ha, hope you will love it as much as I do x

Baby_boo

Nanamia I think that's where I'm going wrong with the Christmas
Shopping I like the gifts so much I have to treat myself!!
Quick post before my bath and then read back to catch up,
maybe Ameyturtle or Ruth honey can help, I'm very much a girlie
girl and I know my family will be asking for suggestions for pressies
for me. I love my baths however since I'm now on a mega amount
of meds I have found using things in the bath brings out a rash
on my skin, this can differ always a rash sometimes itchy abit like
prickly heat and this is from baby products to high end products.
Any advice is much appreciated I feel like I'm missing out on my pampers
many thanks Boo x

Nanamia

Fluffysox No wonder your get up and go is hiding, I'm blooming worn out just reading your ideas. Oh for half your energy xxx
Mrsinvisible Oooh how I've missed you. Glad you had fun I'm can imagine DD and DGS have missed you how could they not. Makes coming home even better tho Do you know london well?Have you thought about how to "tackle" DS flat? Or are you leaving it for another day?

fluffysox

Some pics from our Christmas wedding including a few with my Christmas tree favours, doves and bells. Used MS Paint to erase our names and people in background. Flowers by a lovely and very talented friend of mine who is a bespoke florist, sharing because I love the Christmassy themes of silver, white and evergreen she used. Might inspire someone. We have lots of ivy in our garden, hoping to put some to use this year.

Own_My_Own

Spendless wrote: »

BHS were putting out their Xmas stock today in my store, so don't think it'll be long before it's all out.
.

Thanks. Just checked and their online shop is open

http://www.bhs.co.uk/en/bhuk/category/christmas-2271544/gifts-for-her-2214497/home

fluffysox

Nanamia wrote: »

Fluffysox No wonder your get up and go is hiding, I'm blooming worn out just reading your ideas. Oh for half your energy xxx

Haha Nanamia my brain is active but my body is weary lol. Hopefully I'll get some energy back once this baby is here but might be kidding myself lol. 39 weeks now
Got to say I've never made a cake in my life, except for the kids cupcakes that come in a box to make with DS so I'm in awe of your creations. Made cookies a few times so hoping gingerbread is easy enough . Will have to have a trial run lol.
Choccymoose my DS would love a Polar Express trip, what a shame your children don't want to go- do you have any nieces or nephews etc? We're hoping to go on a Llangollen Railway Santa Special in December. have bought Polar Express too. Saving it for December. The Snowman and the Snowdog is a favourite for bedtime so we've had it on throughout the year. He watched it on DH's knee again tonight- didn't move throughout. And he had another hot chocolate this afternoon after a trip out in the fresh air to see some animals at a local farm. (I had a rest at home )

Ruth_honey

Nanamia wrote: »

Freespirit argh no way. I can't believe the antler has broken already How are you going with the glue, paint spray ? Have you sprayed everything in site DD suffers from IBS so I know exactly what you mean, hope you are feeling better today xxx
Debndot ooooh if off to look for the hand print Santa your makes sound amazing, I'm hoping to do a few things with DGD2 she loves spending time baking (almost as much as I like doing it with her haha) You'll have a place of your own one day (fingers crossed) and then you'll have so many ideas Enjoy your day out with the trains tomorrow xxx
Ruth_honey thank you, back off to check for the nativity You should live in Australia- DS BBQs breakfast, lunch and dinner, seems there is very little you can't cook on there haha xxx
Mrs M aww I can't resist the Christmas Prima! Have you had chance to read it yet? X
Loubylou hiya, thanks for the sainsburys DVD link. We do have a rule on here, once you pop out of lurkdome you are not allowed back in. Ha, hope you will love it as much as I do x

Ha ha! I couldn't cope with the heat in Oz. Our BBQ is new, so still a novelty. Used it four times since start of September and the weather hasn't been *that* great. I do like the idea of the beer can chicken thing. Many we could do that with a small turkey? I've heard you can even do cakes on the BBQ, so maybe that's up your street...:rotfl:
We always cook lots extra and make food later in the week with it. Sausages can be used for casseroles, toad in the hole etc. Why waste the heat in the coals? We even chucked on some Kipling apple pies to warm through as it was cooling down earlier. Yum!

My lovely mum has offered to come and cat sit next month so that DH and I can go away for a few days together. We've just booked a hotel in Brighton so if anyone knows of any Christmas markets/events on down there in late November, please let me know. Hoping the town lights will be on by then, but couldn't find anything online about it.

choccymoose

Nanamia wrote: »

Blooming hek Ameyturtle no wonder your feet were aching. Our resident Lush consultant 24/7 xxx
Sirens welcome back, we love hearing about all your preparations and ideas x
Snugglebunny aww bless you. Good for you, both you and Picnmix can hold your heads up high my lovelies. Know that all your Christmas family are behind you one hundred percent Im hoping some of your positivity rubs off onto others. I'm glad you treated yourself with your tax back, you so deserved it xxx
Pinknfluffy you poor things. Your lovely family have been tested recently, but look you are stronger than ever Tough tho it's been for you all I think DH has made the right decision. I'm hoping that when the who ha dies down the SC will realise they want (and are honoured) to be spending time with you all:) It may not happen immediately of course you know what teenagers are like! No wonder you are looking forward to your holiday So so pleased your miracle pills have done the trick. Obviously that's their job but how lucky (clever) is your dr to get the dosage right first time. Woo hoo xxx
0462 ssshhhh don't tell anybody but that cake is the total easiest ever. Sponge, sandwiched with jam and buttercream, cover in buttercream, stand the kitkats around the outside (choccy fingers work too) and selection of sweeties on top. Ten minute decoration (but don't tell anyone).Woo hoo well done with the craft sales, how exciting Can we have a peep at your makes? Pleassseeee. You are doing so well with your pressies too boys can be tricky though specially at that age!
Choccymoose can you borrow a little one for the polar express trip? Otherwise my lovely you are going to have to wait till you are a Nan haha then what fun you will have. xxx
Babyboo well done you for treating yourself I've still not lite my tart yet. DH is at a fishing club meeting tomorrow that may be the ideal time to do it xxx
Linky I know you are sort of space in your lounge but can you venture into kitchen/ hall/ bathroom? I've not really thought this new living room through either, I hate clutter, shelves (dusting issues- laziness) and am considering only putting one of my tables back so where do I decorate? Less is more I know just have to have a fairy lights over load I think. But can't attach to my new walls???

Thats quite funny nanamia, I am at the ripe old age of 38 indeed a nan ! Luckily its my Step son although he and his wife are only 19! Grandaughter only 6mths at the moment. I think I shall borrow some children

choccymoose

fluffysox wrote: »

Haha Nanamia my brain is active but my body is weary lol. Hopefully I'll get some energy back once this baby is here but might be kidding myself lol. 39 weeks now
Got to say I've never made a cake in my life, except for the kids cupcakes that come in a box to make with DS so I'm in awe of your creations. Made cookies a few times so hoping gingerbread is easy enough . Will have to have a trial run lol.
Choccymoose my DS would love a Polar Express trip, what a shame your children don't want to go- do you have any nieces or nephews etc? We're hoping to go on a Llangollen Railway Santa Special in December. have bought Polar Express too. Saving it for December. The Snowman and the Snowdog is a favourite for bedtime so we've had it on throughout the year. He watched it on DH's knee again tonight- didn't move throughout. And he had another hot chocolate this afternoon after a trip out in the fresh air to see some animals at a local farm. (I had a rest at home )

We have done the Santa express on the dartmouth steam railway for the past couple of years which they both loved. Youngest is adamant, I may try again tomorrow.