O come all ye festive frugaleers, gather round for festive chat and frugaleering

[northender]

Haven't been on the old thread for a few days so thought I'd start a new thread as it's nearly full.

I'm officially excited about Christmas now. I have bought myself an electronics kit and a book called "Practical electronics for inventors". Sorted.

Accidentally slipped and fell into the Mac counter today. £43 later and I came out with a new mascara and eyeshadow pallet (purples).

I needed it. I swears.

£2.78 smart price bio powder
£8 stuff for work.

collie Very exciting. What do you want to do?.

Took dd for her flu nasal spray but she's a bit wheezy so had to have the injection instead. She wasn't impressed! She was very brave though.

Chicken goujons and Caesar salad for dinner.

Well done to your DH collie, does that represent an increase in salary? Somerset would be warmer than Co Durham!

Glad you are now excited ipsos, it is an exciting, if stressful time of year.

Good that your DD is feeling better girlie

I'm rushing in and out as usual, worked all day, just going to take DS to his Christmas party, but it's too far to come back.

Dug out the soup maker and made a carrot and coriander soup quickly. I prefer making it slow, but needs must and at least DD has something nutritious to eat.

£20 on cleaner and I will do some Christmas shopping while out.

Accidentally slipped and fell into the Mac counter today.

need where do you like that you can do Christmas shopping after 5pm?!

Em I hope you're feeling ok after your fall

Hi all! Just catching up with all the posts, I'll be back

Yes thanks spotty much better.

Dh was home from work today so has made chicken soup for dinner. Lovely.

Payday in one week. And in that time I have to pay for: haircut and colour, nails, waxing, and a riding lesson. And maybe some mulled wine. (Essentials....)

Will be refunded £58 on my dress which never showed up and have a voucher for my haircut.

Em I believe you!

Have had a nice afternoon just catching up with jobs at home, dd has just eaten all her dinner we are now watching Toy Story - I loves this film!

I was born in Essex so have avoided the Summmmmmmerrrrrset accent

Had chicken, chips and veg for tea followed by Banana Loaf and custard which was delicious! this recipe although it took a good 45 mins to bake not the 30 it suggests!

OMG Em These are all things that I don't spend money on at all:

riding lesson, haircut, hair colour, nails, waxing, Make up (£43!?).

You must be one hell of a lawyer.

Having said that, I do spend £28 a month on getting the financial times delivered, so I'm in no position to make remarks.

Today we went to my husbands office in Canary Wharf. He has a day off and had left stuff there when he had to come home quickly last week when Gabriel was ill. Wilfred is always asking to go on the train so we did! DH was going to go anyway so it was just my ticket we had to pay for. We took our lunch with us, sandwiches and fruit and a drink and the only thing we bought was a bottle of water for me. Free babychino in Starbucks for W and DH finally ised a Starbucks gift voucher I got with a magazine so his drink was free. A very frugal afternoon out and we didn't take the buggy so it was stress free!

I would spend loads on make up if I could loved Sephora in New York. As it stands most of my make up is benefit or Sephora's own brand. I would also spend loads on my hair but it's been over two years since I had it cut I think I'll try and get dh to treat me to a cut after Christmas.

Where abouts do you like what? (If you don't mind saying!)

Live ffs

Don't you also spend a fortune on food Ipsos?!

I think treating yourself and having a hobby is important for over all well being, therefore money well spent!

ipsos I feel bad writing it all down. Considering we're trying to save for a new place.

Hair hasn't been cut for 5 months. And I wanted some subtle colour put in it. Nails are looking scrappy now so need them re-doing for Christmas (once a month/6 weeks is normal for me ) waxing (every 5 weeks or so) and riding lesson every week.

The make up was a bit of a slip up. I was originally just going to buy a purple eyeshadow. Then saw the single ones in Mac were £11.50. Bought the pallet because well - it was better value than buying one single one, and was way prettier and did actually need a new mascara.

I better be due some sort of bonus in the new year......

I have spent a lot recently. But deserve it as I've been working so hard rarely buy "stuff" for myself.

The riding lessons are my only treat usually.

can you tell I'm trying to justify it

We live in Milton Keynes. Not good for Canary Wharf!

Also we have our Christmas party on Saturday. So have to look lovely.

Em you don't need to justify yourself.

You work hard for your money - you spend it however you like!!

girlie no I do!!! That's the most I've ever spent on make up.....and it isn't a necessary really.

should have thought this through and asked dh to chip in for Christmas gift

I tend to spend a bit more on make up and now Fluffy has put me onto this nice face cream will be buying that more often as well! I make savings in lots of other areas though so it all evens out in the end i think, plus it is important to treat yourself. Wearing make up helps me feel more confident and look less knackered

Dd is officially better must be as being very cheeky looks like it was just a nasty 24 hour bug.

Phew. Not just me then.

We do make a lot of savings elsewhere so can sort of justify it. And it will last. last pallet I bought 2 years ago is still going strong and its so pretty

Savings wise we rarely eat out, only have one car, got rid of sky and I almost never use up my data on my phone. V careful about that!

what I worked and lived at Canary Wharf after uni. Really miss the shopping centre on a weekend. So deserted and quiet! So is Cheapside.. Can't wait to take DS.

Thanks all re: DH and his job offer. His salary is a very slight increase but our income will go up by £20k + a year as I can get a job too. And childcare seems cheaper. Property is slightly cheaper. And most importantly - I have friends up there.

I have no idea what to do! We are excited either way ;)

Em enjoy your make up. I love having a few bits of nice make up. It makes me feel great. And boosts my confidence.