Thrify Gifty Santas Challenge 2013,

cdsmiler

=Money=

Jan has been a very tight month for us. So we've been keeping an eye on the pennies. We've also budgetted for the year's holidays and jaunts! And worked out HOW we're going to try to raise the money. lol

Sale Bargains

Not bought much due to previously mentioned money tightness, but have picked up a cake tin for mum for her birthday ion March, a wine bottle glass holder thing as a little gift for dad for Christmas, and picked up everything for OH's birthday for the beginning of feb.

Lists
List is sorted - though do need to add a gift for teachers for end of the year. But saying that, DD moves from that class (2 hours a day) to full time after Christmas next year, so may need another 2 pressies then too (teacher & assistant!).

Organise the House

OH does most of this - I take responsibility for my car insurance, phone contracts, etc. So under control.

Prescription / Over the counter / first aid kit.

Just need to stock up on pain killers!

Miss Hoodies Corner - Do we love it, do we hate it!!! its here...

FROST FREE!! Mostly. lol still needs a sort out though. Will have a look and see what I can find!


Me Time

OH may be away next Wednesday night, so I'll have a lovely quiet eve. Otherwise, I'll make sure I get back into cross stitch. NEED to get going on SIL's wedding cross stitch!!


Try Something New!!

I have a few 'baking projects' up my sleeve. A list of things I've never done but want to try!! Include.... custard slices, chelsea buns, tarte tatin, choux pastry.......


Thanks mum2one and Miss Hoodie!!!

Clare x

Anglea

Hello everyone

Now we know there is one gentleman amongst us I will remember not to say 'ladies'. There used to be another man in years past on here I recall.

Clare, that strange incident near my house I am guessing was a power cut in the next road but haven't seen any of the neighbours lately to ask.

Thanks for the challenge mum2 one.

I would like some advice if you don't mind.

On the subject of 'do something new' I don't know how many of you relate to this, but after ex left I found myself feeling that I couldn't cope even though when he was living with me I was super organised and dealt with all the hard things. Ever since then I started avoiding anything that related to change so even though I have been in a long ongoing legal scenario with ex over the finances I seem to be paralysed moving forwards. This affected usual to do lists etc I used to go overboard with whatever activities I was involved in eg excessive fitness, crafts and for the last couple of years - socialising.

The reason I wasn't using this thread last year is that I was going out 24/7, still was until 11 days ago when I realised that the price financially and emotionally wasn't worth it. I have cut down a lot.

I know I've been in denial with the change of identity from married to single and needing to be independent. I am an extrovert and super confident with people so go out and talk to anyone but still having problems with the legal things and finding excuses for sorting myself out financially or with the house.

So even though I read on here how you all make money from the internet, I keep finding obstacles eg the bank gave me passwords that I have forgotten, so I put off going to find them out in order to set up paypal. I have written several books but avoid getting them formatted for self publishing, I have been approached by at least 5 extraordinary people to write their biographies, I have started one and want to give up.

Any relate to this? How have you got through it?

rufusdog52

Santas Challenge - January

=Money=

We only get cards fro Valentines and I have bought all the birthday cards for Feb, one will need posting but others can be delivered. I am hoping to get some vouchers from Swag too, had £25 this month in M&S vouchers, will go towards my shoes and YD's outfit may be. I havent got any gifts sorted for this year yet, Grandson ended up with a note in his card. Will have to contact my sisters and see if there is anything they want made for Xmas too.

Sale Bargains

I didnt get anything in the sales but sure I can make up for it during the year

Lists

I have my list, next birthday is one of my other Grandson's, we thought may be just slip them each some money this year as they are getting older and can then put it towards a game or something they want. Birthday after that is mine lol, then nothing till YD's in July. Father's day we just do cards, might get him a cd or dvd from Amazon though to go with it but he can choose his own.

Organise the House

Will need to do this for insurance but not till July.

Prescription / Over the counter / first aid kit.

My doctor still wont give me more than 1 months supply at a time, flipping nuisance as used to get 3 months but now need to go every month.

Miss Hoodies Corner - Do we love it, do we hate it!!! its here...

We are getting a new freezer in a few weeks time so one of them will need to be taken to the dump (we have two chest freezers, the smaller size ones, one has OH's meat and things and other has my bits and veg lol)

Me Time

My me time will be my sewing time, its been too cold to get back up there this week or so but hoping next week will be a bit warmer and I can make something again

Try Something New!!

Well I do have something new to do, not sure if it will be this month or next or March, I am going to make my hat and never made one before. Will probs leave it a bit longer as dont want to cut into my fabric just yet incase I go wrong on the dress and need the extra piece for that.

I tired something new this morning though, not sure if it will count, tried on a pair of 16 jeans lol. Have them on still although the waist band is biting in now I have had my lunch :rotfl:Havent been in a 16 for years. Was in a 22 this time last year.

Thanks for the Challenge Mum2one and Miss Hoodie, keeps us on our toes xx

cdsmiler

Anglea wrote: »

Hello everyone

Now we know there is one gentleman amongst us I will remember not to say 'ladies'. There used to be another man in years past on here I recall.

Clare, that strange incident near my house I am guessing was a power cut in the next road but haven't seen any of the neighbours lately to ask.

Thanks for the challenge mum2 one.

I would like some advice if you don't mind.

On the subject of 'do something new' I don't know how many of you relate to this, but after ex left I found myself feeling that I couldn't cope even though when he was living with me I was super organised and dealt with all the hard things. Ever since then I started avoiding anything that related to change so even though I have been in a long ongoing legal scenario with ex over the finances I seem to be paralysed moving forwards. This affected usual to do lists etc I used to go overboard with whatever activities I was involved in eg excessive fitness, crafts and for the last couple of years - socialising.

The reason I wasn't using this thread last year is that I was going out 24/7, still was until 11 days ago when I realised that the price financially and emotionally wasn't worth it. I have cut down a lot.

I know I've been in denial with the change of identity from married to single and needing to be independent. I am an extrovert and super confident with people so go out and talk to anyone but still having problems with the legal things and finding excuses for sorting myself out financially or with the house.

So even though I read on here how you all make money from the internet, I keep finding obstacles eg the bank gave me passwords that I have forgotten, so I put off going to find them out in order to set up paypal. I have written several books but avoid getting them formatted for self publishing, I have been approached by at least 5 extraordinary people to write their biographies, I have started one and want to give up.

Any relate to this? How have you got through it?

Oh Angela. I don't think I can really help. When myself and my long term BF split up, I felt amazing. Yes, we had a joint mortgage to sort, and loads of debt, but the feeling of freedom was amazing. I had no money to do anything, bust just knowing I could come and go as I pleased, decorate the house as I pleased, cooked what I pleased......<sigh> fab times in a weird way! Plus when we first split my dad helped sort out bits and bobs but ultimately I had to deal with everything myself.

How are you with lists?? I forget everything unless I write lists. With passwords, have a little password book. Give yourself a major job to do each day - for example, set a task that one day you will approach all banks and ask for new internet banking details and log ins. Also give yourself a reward for doing it - watching your fave TV program, glass of wine, whatever! DO the same with any other main household stuff that you know NEEDS sorting. Do banks one day, utilities another. It's not as painful as it first feels. I hate phoning those types of people but it's often not as bad as I think it's going to be. Once you've sorted those, then concentrate on other aspects, like the books.

If you're CURRENTLY writing a biography for someone (amazing!) make it a 'job'. So allocate yourself time every day (or the equivalent of a working week) where you WILL sit down and do it. Like a 'normal' job.

Then in your spare time, give yourself little tasks for then too (lists!) - like I mentioned in my post, I have a baking challenge list! I've also got a crafting list of things I want to make this year for different people. I also have books I want to read, films I want to watch, computer games I want to play...... not to mention cleaning that HAS to be done! lol Put aside an evening to look at publishing for your books!

I guess what I'm trying to say is maybe try to structure and organise your life a bit more. Then you won't get swept away with becoming 'obsessed' with a particular activity. It would work for me, but I'm aware it probably won't work for everyone. So I don't know if it'll help you.......

Don't leave us again though Angela!!

Clare x

cdsmiler

rufus - well done on the 16 jeans!!! Very jealous! lol

Clare x

mum2one

Rufus - That is amazing the size 16 jeans, so jealous, wow to the hat, you make beautiful items.
Just a thought when you change freezers could you store the old one for when YD gets her own place,

Angela - Glad your back, wish could make any suggestions, I not been down the marriage/single route, I guess my biggest change was being full time manager fully able (bar a few twinges) to a single mum, on crutches being registered disabled. I know for the first 2 yrs I was almost a recluse, the only time I seemed to go out was to see the solicitors, at time was suing then employer, as well as seeing a different solicitor to do with ex.

Then when I finally took an out of court settlement the 1st thing I did was head to travel agents, in a period of 9 weeks, I'd spent 2 weeks Dom rep, 2 weeks in Cyprus, 2 weeks in Gambia........ then reality hit in, but for me those breaks gave the chance to remember that I was still the same person inside.

I've mystery shopped, (thou don't know due 2 last accident), started a degree with Open Uni, picked up extra courses en-route.

To an extent, I ran away, I use to take Miss Hoodie and 75% time, my parents came as well, we spent as many hols as possible in Devon, its like my 2nd home, I know that the yr I had Miss Hoodie (she wasn't planned), I had planned to move to Devon - had a job lined up, accomodation - new start - btu wasn't to be.

But for me there are times where I have to make an effort to go out, I find it too easy to say no, I've got friends stay in touch with they now have kids, but they lost count of the number of times yes, i'll come out then day or so before no.... but this may sound daft I kept a diary and set myself targets to go out, - so maybe use that in reverse, - if you stay in and do, x,y z - thats a glass of wine or long soak.

Thats fab news that your writing a book, and having others wanting you to write you have a talent,

Were all here for you any time xxx

Kitchenbunny

Santas Challenge - January

=Money=

That's all of the birthdays out of the way for January now, so no more cards and presents to buy. I've been racking up loyalty points where I can and have been trying to do the Grocery Challenge to keep on track with spending. I've started a sealed pot too for loose change.

Sale Bargains
I got everything I thought would be appropriate in the sales. I was definitely buying with people in mind and have one or two items left over for emergency presents should I need them.

Lists
Birthday list is drawn up and I've dug out my old expanding file. I'll put the months on each tab and a list of who's birthday is in that month, along with any cards I've already got and think might be suitable for them. Events too - I do need to buy a wedding card but that is about it.

Organise the House
I'm trying to organise a calendar for the chores for the year - i.e., washing the net curtains, airing the house, etc. It's pretty tidy atm so not an awful lot to do, and it gets a weekly clean anyway.

Prescription / Over the counter / first aid kit.
Nothing needed here as I keep a well stocked first aid kit. I will need to go through and see if there is anything that needs replacing due to running out of date.

Miss Hoodies Corner - Do we love it, do we hate it!!! its here...
Absolutely hate it. Oh yes, it looks pretty when it has just fallen, but it doesn't stay like that and is more of a pain to getting around. Sorry, I'm just too practical sometimes and am quite frankly scared of driving in the snow!

Me Time

I take my cross stitch into work and sit at my desk at lunchtimes. It gives me a little bubble of me time that lasts for about 45 minutes each day. I'll be trying to do Pilates every day for about 20 minutes too - that always makes me feel better.

Try Something New!!
I love trying new things. I shall think of some really exciting ones and give them a go - being frugal of course! At the moment I've a real love for recreating Wartime recipes and reading the free Victorian cookbooks on Kindle Next, who knows - I might see if I can find a tutorial online for lace-making. It really flicks my switch to be able to make something so delicate...

mrs-moneypenny

pulled everything out of my hiding place and made a list this afternoon, i was impressed with what was in there, id already forgotten some of it so going to 'marry' it up with recipients and occasions over the weekend and make a start on being more orgainsed.

SugarSpun

Santas Challenge - January

=Money=

My money target this month is €2 in my tin every week plus selling at least 20 items.

Sale Bargains

Bought, allocated and once the parcel arrives I'll update everything and sort out my storage. Hurrah!

Lists

Everything but one wedding (they want cash for their honeymoon fund; I also want to get DD to draw them a picture) is sorted either as a purchase or a planned make.

Organise the House

I need to sort my storage and do my taxes

Prescription / Over the counter / first aid kit.

All set on my stuff. DH has done all his this week, thankfully.

Miss Hoodies Corner - Do we love it, do we hate it!!! its here...

Mine's still broken Hopefully it'll be fixed this week.

Me Time

Everyone's gone to bed so tonight is Me Time :j

Try Something New!!

As soon as my midafternoon sickness passes I am all set to bake with my new stuff

susan42

Hi everyone - I'm back. Fab holiday . Enjoyed it so much....this might sound mad but it was an American cruise line , so didn't meet any British . And it was so bad , service etc , that it ended up being one of my most memorable holidays as we thought we were in an episode of fawlty towers. It was absolutely the worst cruise I ever been on , but we laughed so much.

One short thing to show you what I mean... Ever night you get the same three waiters for evening meal. It's 5 courses and the waiters are good at remembering your names and soon remember your likes and dislikes.

This one - he'd start by coming to me anytime through the meal and say 'coffee?' No I'd say tea. But all the Americans around me wanted coffee but he wouldn't give them any, he'd say 'one moment ' and off he'd go. He then came back and said to me 'coffee?' No I'd say tea but they want coffee.. 'One moment' And off he'd go.... This happened about 10-15 in an hour. The Americans around me were going on cos I was getting preferential treatment. But as I said to them . I still wasn't getting my tea !!! Nor them their coffee...lol

After first night we called him manuel . And decided to enjoy the cruise our own way. Which by the end of the week we had all of them in stitches and they all thanked us for our company and said they had a great time. They were killing their selves laughing. But all of them were off to write letters of complaint.....

Ps I also got to feed giraffes on 3rd part of hols . So that a lifetime ambition achieved

Back to reality now .... Where's this snow come from???

And while we were away stepsons baby been born. He's 1lb in weight so very poorly. He's only 25wks. So far he's 3 days old. And he gets blood transfusion every 3 days . So fingers crossed there.

See you all cleared boots out. :-( I love boots sale and I missed it... I do pick a couple of things up at 50% sale.

Mum2one - cwtch for miss hoodie. Fab cake and re the bullying. If things don't progress as you want solicitors letter to school works. The solicitor quotes all the legal technicalities .

Rufus - fab on you making a hat... Wow

Angela- I'm with Clare... Make lists and do a bit at a time. Every time you cross one off , the sense of achievement is ace. If your stuck with anything give us a shout.

Sugar spun- fab news congrats ...

As we have lots of new faces - welcome to all ladies and gent..!

Back to reality now best get some washing done and catch up