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.

Oooooops not sure what I've done there, but managed to post a picture of wine haha.... Oh well, cheers everyone!...

It might sound a bit naff but I bought all my team those microwave soup mugs last year. We all bring soup in for lunch so I thought it would be a good idea. Got them all in different colours. I almost changed my mind as I thought maybe they were a bit naff but they all loved them. I can honestly say that I've never brought gifts that have been used so much. They literally get used every day.

I'm so glad someone started up a thread and also that I'm not the only weirdo thinking of Christmas this early!

I haven't been buying gifts yet, more getting ideas for gifts and planning what homemade gifts I'm making and updating my notes from last years Christmas.

I do know that I'm going to make baskets of homemade foodie things like blackberry vodka, christmas cake muffins with cute icing, homemade jam, chutney, shortbread etc.

DD gets so spoiled for Christmas that I land up putting some of her Christmas gifts away until later in the year when I bring them out to do a toy rotation. So this year I've decided to make a few things for her. My first idea is a table fort www.etsy.com/listing/64657042/bluebird-cottage-in-pink-white-scalloped which will be great for cold/snowy or wet days and I want to make it to fit our fold down table so that it can be taken outside too.

I've also spotted some cute princess every day dresses that I just can't resist www.pinterest.com/pin/330451691379632726/ this set is really cute and I love the dresses www.etsy.com/uk/listing/161828570/3-princess-dresses-for-little-girls?ref=sr_gallery_25&ga_search_query=everyday+princess+dress&ga_ship_to=GB&ga_ref=auto2&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery DD is princess crazy so she'll love these.

Making these items might actually not be cheaper than buying gifts because fabric is blimming expensive but I think she'll love them nonetheless.

For DH I'm thinking of getting him a foraging course for his birthday and for Christmas I had thought perhaps a foraging cooking course perhaps with a few books on the subject.

Ooh lovely people already buying for Christmas! I've just got some bits and pieces to put away for the DC's, my wrapping paper and tags and the Christmas pj's. My MIL thinks I'm off my box
I've made some bracelets for the girl children in the family as part of their hampers but stuck for anything to do for the lads, both mid teens and rather fashion conscious. Might have to give home made a miss for them.

It's June. It's cold and it's raining and it feels more like October...AND....I LOVE IT!

I'm waiting until my exams are over and then it's full swing for preperations for Christmas.

DS has already decided on his Big present which I will buy in the next month or so. DD will be getting a tv for her bedroom that she can watch her dvd's on, I might buy her one with freeview on but I'll be turning the power off to her room if she takes the mick.

I've bought a few more little stocking fillers and nearly finished the stockings themselves.

After the exams I'll start on practicing for the cookie tree...a christmas tree made up of layers of shortbread. I'll also need to get another gingerbread house.

I want my bedroom done this year too before Christmas and my present to myself will be a brand new bed.

Chesty

I'll have a look around for mugs for your team, or something that you can buy.

Ooh I bought one of those Lakeland Limted silicone moulds for the little houses (can do baked gingerbread or chocolate)
I need to practice a few.....

You have to practise - so you'll know it'll go right when you really need it too

practice makes perfect!

Chesty

I've found photo mugs in boots which you can get for a £1, but you have to act fast and go through this:

www.hotukdeals.com/deals/photo-mug-1-plus-postage-1-99-boots-1900542

Oh, it's 1 mug per account. Sorry.

Unless you fancy making multiple accounts or getting friends and family to help out.

Thanks for looking smiles

Have been looking at the yankee votive holders and a votive? Or would a cup be better?

Bought another present to put away today [frin]

Chesty look on QVC for Yankee candles, they have loads of special offers

Large jars retail at £20 each, sometime QVC are practically 3 for 2.
I do get some that have scents I'm at but it might be someone elses taste (I don't like lavender, rose or pine but other people love them)

The Christmas ones will be out about Sept/Oct

Look on QVC 24/25 July, they've got Christmas in July (they often have a preview on their website )

They've got some votive candle sets that are £30 ish + p&p for 30 votives (so if you pick up some clear votive glasses (IKEA might have) and a couple of votives , you're still under £5) and some left for you

Ebay has loads of Frozen characters for baubles if anyone is interested. I'd get them now while most of the populations isn't thinking about decorations.

I forgot about Christmas in July.

I missed out on loads.

smiles are you farrow in disguise? Apologies if not.

70 I bought one of those silicone moulds from Lakeland last year, I made a chocolate house, was actually quite easy and liked great, didn't last long though!

Anyway, hello, I fell off the thread months ago. I've fallen completely behind, only have a handful of presents and not bought anything for months. Suddenly realised yesterday that the card shops will start getting Christmas cards in later this month though so need to catch up to avoid the last minute stress.

DD3 is likely to arrive in less than 3 weeks so doubt I'll be getting much done unless it's online.

Oooh squishy baby

How much have you got for Christmas so far?

Hello again! I tried on my wedding dress yesterday and then it dawned on me that Christmas isn't that far away. In fact it's 142 sleeps

Before I know it I'm going to be in Lapland, meeting Santa and get MARRIED! It's all getting real now. I bet you will all love to hear that I am going to wear a snowflake tiara and I'll have a proper princess dress.

Someone on my FB mentioned yesterday that B&M have Christmas stuff out already, yay!

Once DS had his birthday in 3 weeks I'll properly start. I know what I'll get him, a Nintendo 3DS so I can play with mine without having to share and that will be it bar a few bits and bobs (which will probably end up being a huge pile again ).

How has everyone been?

I had a really shit start to the year, but it got better.

In January we had the news that FIL had stage 3 bowel cancer. Within three weeks he passed, on Valentine's day . It was horrible see him go that quickly and DH crumbled. I tried to be strong for him, but inside I was hurting just as much. He is the only son and was very close to his parents. His mum died six years ago.

Then we had more bad news. Beginning of April I was told that I was going to be made redundant due to falling numbers at the school and my subject specialism. My world fell apart, I loved the school I worked at. Lots of financial worries, wedding planning and excitement was on hold for a while as it isn't easy finding a job in my specialism.

Then mid May the tables finally turned. I found my dream job as Head of Department at an amazing school. It will be my forever school, I can feel it, the one I grow old in. I have already been told that I am earmarked as Assistant Principal, they give me so many opportunities. I start in September with the new school year and can't wait. But I know I'll be extremely busy, especially as I have a more senior role now and the workload will be much more. But I look forward to the challenge and opportunity - and the massive pay rise

Since then we have been plodding along, doing a bit more to the house after finishing the upstairs in winter, but one thing after the other (cars failed MOT etc) we just never had enough money to finish the downstairs. Plus saving for the Lapland holiday / wedding obviously. Will do that once my payrise kicks in.

Gosh, that's long now. Hope you enjoyed a cuppa and a read

So, what's everyone's news?

Where are we countdowners? I'm not sure why but something has changed this week and I'm in full on Christmas mode, and I'm not the only one judging by how far down this thread was in the chrismas section.

Anyway this week I have ordered dolls for DDs 1&2 as their main presents and bought 2 presents for DS in the Argos 3 for 2. I bought a couple of Disney DVDs in Asda as they were 2 for £13 as smaller presents plus Peppa pig and lego annuals. I bought beautiful wrapping paper from John Lewis, phone is being rubbish and won't let me link but it's the 12 days of Christmas one. Also bought an advent candle and a see your own advent calendar kit to make for DD1 as DS already has a fabric one.

DD3 arrived on 30th August btw.

mama sorry to hear about your FIL. Glad you've found a fab new job. Not long left until your wedding now, double excitement this year!

Hope everyone else is still around and doing ok ??

Sew your own advent calendar! Why would you want a see your own advent calendar kit?!

Ooh can I join in too?? I'm so excited and kids already starting to mention their elf that comes. I've bought them 'Elfie's Christmas letters' and got an email from them this morning to say my order had been completed. Really hope this means despatched as I can't wait to see them. Will report back on them when they arrive!

I'm so jealous that someone on MN has their Waitrose slot booked already. Got mine and DD's birthday first so must organise a party for her.

I've got a spreadsheet of people I need to but for in the hopes I don't get in my usual muddle! Every year I have a nightmare where it's Christmas Day and someone has nothing to open. At all. Aaaagh!

I've done nothing, which must be rectified immediately .

Gosh just read only seven's post. Ghastly about your FIL. Your poor DH and you. :(

Brilliant about your job though. You must be very good at what you do!