Hazelnutty's New Start

Hazelnutty

Just seen that the new Mary Poppins film is about to come out so I think a trip is definitely in order. I seem to be spending quite a bit on tickets at the moment, but it feels better than just buying stuff. I hope DD feels the same way! Also bought tickets for a Christmas Carol reading on Christmas Eve - haven't told her yet but hope it goes down well. We're all massive Muppets Christmas Carol fans, so I reckon a screening of that in the afternoon then down to the reading (by candlelight - sounds fab). It's amazing how much of the original language made it into the Muppets version

The Big Christmas Food Shop is looming. Probably going to do it one morning while the schools are still on in the hope it won't be too stressful. Neither OH or me is keen on the crowds and noise.

Hope everyone else is feeling on track for Christmas, whatever that looks like for you!

Karmacat

Yep, experiences, not things, I'm with you on that one. The new Mary Poppins sounds fantastic, and I do like Emily Blunt, she's turned into a real all rounder

the_cross_rabbit

Another one for experiences. DD1 and DD2 had experiences for their main presents this year. We're hoping to go and see the new Mary Poppins film in the school holidays too.
CRx

Hazelnutty

Thanks, both. XH and I do a joint gift and we're thinking Cirque du Soleil tickets. I think I may be as excited as DD will be!

We just did the Big Christmas Shop... £104 :eek: It is the first big one since 27th November and it will last us a couple of weeks but still :eek:

newgirly

Hi Hazelnutty , my friend took all her children to see cirque du Soleil and absolutely loved it

Hazelnutty

Thanks, NG. I bit the proverbial bullet and bought the tickets. It was super expensive but really looking forward to it. Luckily we still have a slush fund for joint pressies that could fund it although that'll be gone soon.

A couple of odd bits left to get before Christmas (randomly: clementines, biscuits for cheese and barley) but the supermarkets are rammed. Am going later this evening and may walk to Tescos rather than drive. Carparks this time of year are hell in a jar.

One MSE success today: saw on MagicFreebies that Debenham's Beauty Club's latest freebie was a full-size Rituals thing so promptly joined up. Picked it up today and the woman on the cash desk said they retail for over £20 :eek: I'd never buy that for myself full price so a nice treat (I could gift it but I'm going to keep it for myself!) Haircut was also less than expected as they were running very late so a bargain there too.

We got paid on Tuesday, which is way too early for me. I've just stashed my salary until the normal payday and will report in here at that point. Expenses came in today so I've paid them off the CC. CC is more than last month but still within budget, so I should have a small amount extra to stash (around £150). I'll probably top up the standard OP of 50ish to £75 then save the rest into my Chartered Savings account for a rainy day.

I have about £180 unallocated left from the extra job I did in October. Am planning to use that to buy a couple of things for the house I'd been looking for for a while: 2 bedside cabinets and a shoe cabinet. DD's loftbed has been a great success so am planning to get them from them and hoping they'll have a sale on. I've been looking on FB for 2nd hand but nothing's come up that I could get to and TBH the prices of this company are as good as Ikea for better quality (as far as I can see).

When are people setting their goals for 2019? I guess I should really do that too soon. £1200 is probably the best I can manage but good to stick your colours to the mast!

Happy friday!

Karmacat

As far as goals are concerned, I've joined UFM on Frugalwoods, as I need a bit of a makeover because of all the changes, so heaven only knows when mine will be posted!

newgirly

I’m going to work out some goals soon too hopefully, I like to waste a good few days pontificating over it all

Crumpets

Cirque du Soleil tickets sounds like an amazing present, I bet it will be a fantastic show!

Great news on you Debenhams freebie and your discounted haircut! it's nice to have a few treats for yourself, maybe I should frequent the freebies board

The new Mary Poppins looks awesome, I don't think our budget will stretch to another cinema trip. The cast were on the Graham Norton show last night. I really like Ben Wishaw and Lin Manuel Miranda is great too.

Good luck getting your last few things,

:xmassign:

Hazelnutty

Hi Crumpets we have an arts centre locally that shows films a lot cheaper than the big chains. I took DD and a friend for less than it would have been for just me and DD at the Odeon! Plus no expensive snacking (they have a fab cafe in the foyer so you can just buy a regularly-priced decent coffee and cake or take in your own) and no ads! It's definitely a better option all round for me. A happy Christmas to you too!

NG - me too. I do like a bit of spreadsheeting over a cuppa! I'm definitely less interested in general stuff atm but I would like to do a few things on the house over the next year, so I'm going to prioritise house saving (and spending!) Apart from servicing the virtual pots (for insurance, holidays, haircuts, uniform etc) I'm going to focus on house, OPs and general saving for a car. I've had my current car from new and I love it but it will start to have the odd issue and eventually need replacing. I'm in such a different financial position now I need to plan well ahead.