Countdowners 2014

[Farrowandbawlbauls]

Yes I know it's still Christmas 2013 for a few more days, but technically, the countdown started this morning.

So..Here we are again.

We will need:

Links to other threads about bargin hunting
Links to sales throughout the year
Links for decorations
Links for days out
Links for any good electrical sales
Links for budgeting
Links for really good gifts for men as they are generally the harest to buy for and grandparents/in laws.

There's no harm in starting a list now either for what you need to get next year, learning from this year and previous years.

The top of my list I must remember to write a card to SIL T&S, every single year they have sent a card and I've failed to send one in return for the 3rd year running now. Ditto Claire.

Must remember to buy crakers from M&S again, they were fantastic.

[QueenofClean]

www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9349243.htm

try that link again oops

[MamaPizza]

Hello Christmas mad ladies,

sorry for not joining this thread earlier. Been busy, then busier and now ill.

Quick rundown:

Christmas was fab, DS loved his presents.

The rest of the Christmas holiday was busy getting new carpets (which meant disassembling furniture, storing it and building it again...), finishing the upstairs with final touches and doing up the hallway / stairs / landing. Painted chipboard wallpaper didn't want to budge took ages to get rid of this stuff. Almost done there now and starting to look lovely.

Back to work busy and mad as usual, off ill at the moment, but on the mend.

£2 tin started, at the moment it has already £16 in it. I'm still on top of counting, but I know I'll lose track by February and the surprise will happen in December.

Bought decoration for next year, found a lovely wooden nativity scene in the sales.

Bought advent calendars for the dogs. Have checked and they don't go off until 2015, so a bargain for 50 pence each.

Not bought much else as I don't know what colour scheme I'm going for.

BUT

The super good news is, and I know you are all going to be jealous and want to hurt me



We are going to Lapland this Christmas!!! We are flying on the 17th and back on the 22nd. Me and DH (well DP) will finally get married there, I can't wait to be a snow princess . We will obviously also see THE REAL SANTA!!! DS doesn't know and we won't tell him until just before. Jingle will deliver the message the weekend before we fly. Putting deposit down this weekend, still on final umming and ahhing on hotel, but otherwise it's all good to go.

[Farrowandbawl]

Congratulations on the wedding. You're going to have to let us see some pictures.

[MamaPizza]

Thanks, I'll bore you with all the details in time

Regarding pics, I was wondering if any of you are brave enough for facebook friendships? I am, so if you want to send me a pm. My current profile pic is still Christmassy, must change it by Easter

[Farrowandbawl]

Sorry darlin,

I was your FB friend but I deleted my accounts about 2 years or so ago now.

(I was molepomandmistletoe)

[MamaPizza]

Yes, Farrow, I remember. It's been a long time. Shame you aren't on it anymore.

[NinjaPenguin]

Ooh, can I join in? I got a lot of Christmas cards and so on in the sale, and presents I have a feeling I will be overprepared! I usually love Christmas but this one was bad, so I'm hoping the next one will be great.

[Farrowandbawl]

Welcome Ninja. There's no such thing as over prepared, just think of being able to sit in a coffee shop enjoying a festive latte while watching everyone else run around like headless chickens, screaming, tutting and getting stressed. - It's hillarious and part of my tradition now.

I was concerned about FBs so called safety aspects Mama. I don't like being tagged where ever I'm oout the house as it would invalidate my house insurance. I might as well have screamed from the rooftops "I'm not in the house at the moment! Come and break in" It's more hassle than it's worth now. I don't miss it and certainly don't miss out on anything. My life has got a lot more peaceful without it too and when I do apply for a job, there isn't the risk of potential employers having a nosy round and deciding if I shold have a job or based on my profile instead of my references and qualifications AND if other threads are to go by, no pressure to add collegues as "friends". FB is far too intrusive for my liking and people rely on it far too much in my opinion.

There isn't a single thing I miss about it at all.

[QueenofClean]

Welcome Ninja as Farrow says you can never been to prepared.

Tips: January Sales are great.
Always check Charity shops. Incase of my children, I feel that as long as the presents are in good condition it doesn't matter if they are new or not.

Enjoy the festive coffee & muffins in December when it's all done

[MommyBird]

HOW have i just found this thread?!

I am a Christmas loon!
Lovelovelove Christmas. I have started planning and saving already.

I will have a ln almost 5 year old and and 18 month old this year! I am beyond excited already.

I'm going to start buying for family when i get paid. Last year was a rush as i'd had dd2 in August so all money went on baby bits! (i usually buy/save throughout the year!)

Will have lots of things planned this year.
So glad to have found this :D

[MommyBird]

OH! Have all my christmas paper, tags, cards, bags from Sainsburrys in the sale. And my DHto be has bought me a Christmas planner! Highly reccomend :)

[Farrowandbawl]

Where did he get the planner from MommyBird?

I've been using spreadsheets on the laptop but really need a little diary or something that will be out with me.

[MommyBird]

Amazon!

Its amazing. It has lots of planning pages, Christmas card lists, presents lists/budgeting, places for recipies, main/starter/pudding planning. It also lasts for 4 years!

If you like organising i would also reccomend the 'life book' by organised mum!

[Farrowandbawl]

OMG..I'll have a look now.

[Farrowandbawl]

OK, I've ordered it and some cluster lights for the tree

[CaptainSweatPants]

Hi!
Any good online sales on Xmas cards & advent calendars?
Any candle sales?
Thanks!

[Farrowandbawl]

Try the cards shops - loads in my area still have them on sale.

Advent Calendaers, not so much...ebay?

Candles, now that depends on what type of candles. There is usually around 25% off Yankee candle fragrance of the month, and a quick google seach will lead to to many suppliers of discounted candles..actually, ebay is another good one for that as is...

www.yankeedirect.com/ who have 50% off for this month.

[QueenofClean]

Ooo Christmas planner now that is my type of thing will have a look on Amazon now.

[QueenofClean]

Can you link to the planner you brought Farrow

I've started my savings at Asda & Iceland, will put money into my savings account at end of month too.

Yankee candles are fab presents.

[Farrowandbawl]

www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Planner-organise-perfect-years/dp/B00CPN7QYS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390056792&sr=8-1&keywords=christmas%20organiser&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

Here you go.

[QueenofClean]

It just happened to slip into my basket and checkout for delivery hehe...don't tell DH

[Farrowandbawl]

lol, I won't.

I've found this little beauty earlier

Check out the bubble wrap suits under "for men". I might just have to get some for me and the kids. It won't matter that it'll be too big for them - it'll be hillarious. I've mentally spent a small fortune on that site.

(I'm seriously considering the Egg and Soldiers Tank with little helmet for myself. )

[Farrowandbawl]

Look what I've found!



A festive shop open all year round!

[Farrowandbawl]

www.xmasdirect.co.uk/garlands-and-wreaths/christmas-garlands

[MamaPizza]

No worries, farrow, totally understand. I couldn't live without FB though, it's just kind of a routine to check what my friends are up to and sharing our news every now and then.

Welcome to all the newbies.

Bought some cards at Aldi yesterday, that's them sorted then.

Will have a look at the Christmas planner later.

Christmas needs to be more on a budget this year fat chance due to holiday and wedding beforehand. Problem is, no idea what DS will like in 11 months time, so can't really look for toys yet.