NST December: Frugal festivities

mothernerd

Can't update my signature, keep being referred to the webmaster. May be one of these plaguey ads trying to get into my signature but also afraid of the webmaster link in case that takes me to yet another ad. Will ask DS1 to try to sort it on Wednesday if he's in a good mood.

So have 12 SFDs and have spent £28.39 on food, £10 on 2 cs tops and £4.49 from the diy budget. Shocked that I spent so much but mostly stuck to the list (list was a bit vague in places). Covers medicines, a spare mop head and lots of bits. Will need bread at some point and box of matches will run out but hopefully after Christmas. I have bought a bag of apples (thought I had a second bag but must have had it) as only a few satsumas left. Mostly if I haven't got it, will substitute something else.

Beloved phoned on Saturday so DS3 had gone to her house today (she wasn't going to get any time off work). Indeterminate stay - until he can no longer cope with mother out law.

Washing machine has gone on strike. I have bailed it out (luckily can now get that near the floor), tried it on short spin and let it rest for most of the day. Will try a small load later on and if that fails I may be washing at mum's on Christmas Eve.

Carried two small but heavy drawers upstairs and had enough (low level but persistent back pain). Need to spread out the clothes on radiators and the airer (bedding staying in the yard).

My aim for next year is to be healthy, happy and have more fun. It encompasses a lot and I need to plot the in between steps but that's a positive way of framing my goal. I will be debt free (Jan?) and will stay that way.

Today I am grateful for peace and quiet, for getting most (all?) of the shopping over with and for the washing machine (will be sweet talking it if all else fails).

WelshKitty85

Hi everyone!

Much needed day off for me today. I have now officially finished my old job and have just 1 day left in my shop. Which means, after Christmas I can concentrate on just 1 job and family time.

Did my Christmas food shop today. We are actually spending Christmas Day at the in laws house, but we are cooking Boxing Day and now have everything we need. Spent £60 in ald! which included a few extra treats, some beers, Buck's Fizz etc. I don't understand how some people spend so much over Christmas, I just wouldn't know what to do with that much money.

Have had a big clear out today and got rid of loads from the children's bedrooms ready for Santa's visit.

Back to work tomorrow for two days but I am then looking forward to almost a week off.

Bobarella

Hi All

CCL - thinking of you & your family. I'm glad you had chance to visit.

TOG - sorry to hear your brother made you feel reduced. It sounds to me like he's on the defensive. Families and money are such a tricky topic. I have very sadly reduced contact with mine as I found when the bleep hit the fan and I was really struggling financially, none of them were there for me. In my case I had set up a business that kept me working all hours and I recognise your sentiment about your personal life being non existent at times. I feel like they were happy whilst I was acting a certain way, shelling out for travel and accommodation to see them, yet when I would have welcomed them reciprocating it didn't happen. Ah well. I focus on strengthening the family I made, financially and hope that this generation get a better start than I did from my parents.

Traveller - got you. It's very sad your ex doesn't volunteer to help with the children. It truly is his loss, although it's very hard to feel that when you are doing everything and tired and run down to boot.

Mothernerd - you have such a brilliant year ahead with your debt gone and only 1 house to be getting on with. Exciting times.

3 days to the big one....

Bob

Justforme

Morning all, just popping in to wish all you wonderful Turtles a very Merry safe and wonderful Christmas no matter how and who your spending it with x


I haven't been around as completely lost the faith and plot within 24 hours of posting that poor family losing their lives locally, my hubbys friend died, my work colleagues son died and a young woman in the community died although we weren't friends the constant bad news shook the whole village and I didn't want to post and share all the bad news... sad thing is the funerals are 23rd and 24th and another friend is delivering a still born baby this morning, such sad sad news makes you want to hold on to what's yours with all your heart doesn't it. Work is crazy busy and overtime is rife as we are a very small office and are covering our colleague now until at least over the new year. Going to call it a day on this challenge but am going to keep reading and rejoin the January thread in the hope I can keep some sort of control on my shopping tonight lol ..

Calling14

Just for me how sad all this bad news does take the edge off celebrating Christmas. I didn't post yesterday was quite upset friends daughter not responding to treatment, just hope what they are trying today works.

Went and spent £6 in home bargains today. Besides that done nothing productive to do present wrapping, tidy garage and walk friends dog this afternoon. Off I go x

dolly84

Justforme - very sad to hear.

chocolatelover93

Evening everyone

Thifty - Glad the card was stopped. My bank did a similar thing the other week with me because I tried to book flights online and sent me a text. Nice to know they keep tabs on things.

JustForMe - So sorry to hear about the bad news, sending massive hugs to you and your family xx

My three things for today:
1. My manager let me come in a bit later
2. Have made cheesecake for Christmas day and put in freezer and made shepheards pie for tea (had a bit for my lunch and must say it is rather yummy)
3. It is almost Christmas

WelshKitty85

Hi everyone!

Justforme - so sorry to hear of all that awful news.
Calling - sorry about your friends daughter.
Makes you stop and think about what's really important.

Today was my last day in the shop ( it's open til Xmas eve but somebody else is manning it). Have managed to sell most of my stock, so am quite pleased with that. I have taken enough in the last week or so to cover dinner out on Christmas Eve plus put some extra into my savings ( which will eventually be used to pay the cc).

Did my good deed for the month today and donated some excess stock to the local food bank. Hope they can bring someone a little bit of festive cheer.

I'm working in my new job tomorrow but then have 6 days off. All my shopping is done so as soon as I get home I can crack open a bottle and relax.

The_Only_Girl

Justforme sending you big hugs. How heartbreaking to have to deal with so may deaths around you. I am hoping 2016 will be a better year for you and your family and friends.

Calling sorry to hear about your friend's daughter not responding to treatment.

Went out today with my two boys to go Christmas shopping, my second, and unfortunately not my last as I need to go out tomorrow and buy a couple of things. That should be the end of the Christmas gift shopping. I just need to do last minute food shopping on the 24th. Christmas will be very simple. Christmas eve at my eldest brother's house together with the rest of our family and their closest friends. Christmas Day lunch/dinner at the house of our friend who used to live with us. Working on Boxing Day night.

Bipex

Evening all!

I'm sorry not to have posted earlier about some topics, but there's such a plethora to catch up on, so for now let me just say that I wish everyone has a better year in 2016 and abundant virtual hugs and love to all who are in need.

Mothernerd: well done on your 12 SFDs! Hope your washing m/c recovers.
TOG: Try not to let sibling ignorance/impoliteness get you down. The main thing is that you tried to help and that speaks highly of you. Some people just aren't able or ready to hear sound advice. I know I've been guilty of that in the past.
Bobarella: it's sad when you make the effort and it's not reciprocated, but you definitely have the right focus. I agree with you on your comment to Traveller as well.
Justforme: so sorry to hear all the sad news. Regroup and hope to see you again in January
Calling: hope your friend's daughter improves
Welshkitty: you are so right. It is vital to remember the really important things. Enjoy your bottle and relaxation, which you have well earned

Did I miss the result of Littleskintdragon's expected event this month?

Grateful for:-
My marvellous sister, who is cooking again this year
All the quality time I get to spend with my dad since we lost mum
Wifi hotspots