NST: December 2016: A pared back Christmas

dolly84

We've had a very productive day here today. DS played football first thing then went to a birthday party (gift from free notebook stash), me and DH cycled after lunch. When we got back we sorted out 2 carriers of stuff for the CS (kids books, some cook books, party bits and bobs suited to younger children), a big bag for recyling/bin, reorganised book case, got a lamp out of the loft for using in the dining room and put some things into the loft. Sorted some things out on the top of our wardrobe (still looks cluttered though).

Called at Tesco and put rest of fuel budget in DH's car, got some crumble topping because it was cheaper than buying butter to make my own. There was some sort of charitable sale going on outside the door, DS got a brand new and sealed xbox game (he paid) and we got 5 hardback books for £1, 3 will be used as Christmas gifts, one for the kids and one for DH to read then donate.

greent

Not a SFD. DD's birthday today. DS3 had a party just outside the next town so we took DD with us, dropped DS3 off and nipped into the town and had a C0sta and cake - very yummy Collected DS3 (was a joint party - used 2 cards and gift bags from stash and one of the presents was from stash - had to buy the other) and came home - my mum and my bestie then came here with cards and gifts for DD.

Chicken now in the oven (DD's favourite meal is a roast chicken dinner, so that's what we're having - good job it's Sunday!). Bread rolls are on their final prove (good job I've got another oven!) and potatoes are just about to go in. Pudding will be chocolate birthday cake (the cake and blowing out candles bit hasn't been done yet)

Uniforms all ironed but I do still have a large pile of ironing to do, so may do some of that later

x

Fmess

Well done on the crafting apple

Spendy day today. Needed another dog bed so used vouchers at that store to get discounted pet food too. Also used some of the renovations budget for a few bits for the new cloakroom.

Monday to thursday should be SFDs

Seasidegal58

Just got back from seeing "Fantastic Beasts" with DD and her step DS2 (what is the abbreviation? Is it DSS2?). She very kindly treated us to the tickets.

Today we drove over to Castle Howard as they wanted to buy their Christmas tree. Got a really lovely bushy one. The whole place looked so lovely and Christmassy!:xmastree:
My only expense today was salted caramel brownies I bought in the shop there for us.

Tonight I am having remains of the tasty mac n'cheese from last night and were catching up with Strictly!

And......(drum roll!). MSE Badger has just awarded me my 500 posts badge!:j

wishus

Lovely news about the crafting income, Apple muncher. Was tempted to go out to one today, but thought I might just feel guilty as I messed a row of knitting up yesterday, and it's sitting waiting for me to fix it.
So... an NSD achieved. No. 4!

Also just watched Paddington with OH on ch.4. Really loved it!

ilovetea

Oh.I missed Paddington :mad:
Knew there was something I wanted to watch.Never mind.It will be on again.
Spend day yesterday.Silly things like bread and sprouts.
Have Christmas under control,I hope.
NSD today. Makes 9 so far :j
Keep wondering what I've forgotten to buy.
ilovetea xx

misstara

It's been a spendy weekend - work christmas night on Friday (went totally over budget ), hangover food spends yesterday and some christmas shopping today.

Me and OH have spent most of the day packing up the flat in preparation for the move on Wednesday. Feeling very unsettled at the moment so looking forward to moving. Managed to get rid of some more stuff to the charity shop and chucked out a few bags worth as well.

Bobarella

Hi All

Have worked all weekend. But I am pleased because I applied for a First Direct joint account, and we have been accepted! There is a £100 switching bonus too. Our current bank is useless. We joined in 2003 and at the time it worked for us as it was one of the new online only accounts, but the bank that own them have been bought out, and now they may actually be wound up. So as our finances have improved I have been thinking for ages about going with a new bank. So yeah us!

Bob

abundant1972

Another late one for me...

Apple muncher - I'm with you on the staying in front. Can't remember the last time I went out properly...

Seasidegal58 - Was 'Fantastic Beasts' any good?

Today was a spend day... 1) New el-cheapo supermarket opened and so had to go and scout it out... came back with a full bag for only £6.39 - was AWESOME!!! 2) Also spent £8.00 online via a cashback site - but earned £15.00 in doing so!!! ... So as long as my orders track and clear I'm quids in! I just bought the cheapest things I could.

Next planned spend day is Wednesday if I need it... so hope to bag a few NSDs over the next few days...

lcc86

Pleased to report yesterday was a NSD after all, that's 5/15 now. Today should also be a NSD, there's a lot to be said for working somewhere wit no shops nearby!