Mince Pies, Mulled Wine, frugal festive frolics. Yuletide budgeting banter & Merry Saving Shenanigans for all 🎁🎄🦌🎅🤶☃️

[MaryGreenhill]

Welcome to the Christmas Frugal thread . We are a super friendly group here & everyone is welcome 🤗 .
☃️🤶🎅🦌🎄🎁

Well boxing day is usually an excuse to buy things in the sale .
This year I have spent a grand sum of £3.25 on eight pints of Milk.

Haven’t managed any no spend days. Bought a jumper in the Marks and Spencer sale (£13.16) that I had had in my basket for a while. Today was about £7 in Asda.

Goodness @MaryGreenhill that’s a lot to be contending with. So sorry to hear about your mother. I hope she is as comfortable as she can be and glad to hear that she seems to be settling. Do find time for yourself and I hope your check comes back clear. Sending you hugs.

Hope your mum will be ok too @FurForksSake.

I tried on some Sweaty Betty leggings @pistachiosanscream but did not buy them as they had Sweaty Betty written on them so that saved me some money.

Hope everyone has had a good few days. It is going far too quickly for me. I’ve just started to wind down and it’s Friday already. I decided to have scrambled eggs instead of what I had planned so I have quite a bit of leftovers as nothing was opened. Spent time today chopping and freezing vegetables so making soup will be easier. Am planning to pop into Marks tomorrow but am not anticipating anything. Might have a look on Amazon for a book that I can record my gym/rehab notes in and what I’m eating.

I love your spending spree @ChipshopPickledEgg !!
Have fun at your sister's @pistachiosanscream

We came down to OHs home and entertained his eldest children. DD hasn't seen one of them for a whole year so was lovely for them to get together again and we played games and I took some beautiful photos.
NSD for me too. Too busy eating and sitting around. Must go out for a walk tomorrow and bring back the salads.

Although Amazon basket is now full of gifts for DD birthday next week. I'll press buy in a few days.

£6.77 Coop essentials

Leftover Christmas dinner in giant Yorkshire puddings for a meal today (being Boxing Day it was neither lunch time or tea time) and now the chocolates of choice are Lindor and After Eights.

I need kindling, shampoo and conditioner (we are using up dregs in bottles in the cupboard at the moment) but I'm going to see if I can recycle anything via the Boots Recycle app for a few points.

Nsd, I tried to get milk at 8:30 but didn't think things through that it was a bank holiday and shops were closed. It was ok as we were going to my aunt's for the day so can buy milk tomorrow. Also managed to collect together some of my Preloved things as a last minute gift for 2 kids there. Kids clothes and books, we have too many. I actually felt stressed as I honestly didn't know what to expect present wise and was glad none of them got us anything. Last year my daughter asked my aunt, where is my Christmas present she didn't have. I think she buys my kids birthday presents. Fortunately she didn't this year. I was going to prep her beforehand not to expect anything. That family are doing presents tomorrow so she did have a subtle nosey at thrm under the tree. don't know the gift etiquette well.

£4 on Amazon for some ground rice as mil made on and it went straight in the bin. It’s a tradition for DH but mil Clearly can’t cook anymore

explains why Fil Hoovers food here and always takes leftovers

£25 sock shop. The lazy panda men’s boxers are a hit.

Morning all. I actually logged two NSDs in the last week, one of which being Christmas Day. I’m still taking it as a win.
Ordered some coats/jackets in the Regatta sale yesterday, spent £160 but two at least will be going back as I ordered more for choice. Also remembered I had a code for 15% off my next order so that helped. Also bought a new dressing gown from Tesco, not in the sale but the perfect style I’ve been looking for £30.

Today so far I’ve bought five kindle book deals at .99 each. Going out later to a sports event and meeting friends for something to eat so that will be about £12-£15. Found somewhere with discounted food (if you have a ticket to said event) and includes parking.

In the next few days I will be reviewing my 2025 spending and making plans for next year. I want to build at least two NSD in each week. Also (as I said previously) I want to run down my cupboards and freezer. Can’t remember who agreed and asked me to share meal ideas but mine are really boring like soups, meat and veg etc. I shall take inspiration from others on here and also ChatGPT 😊

Hope those with poorly friends or family are all ok 💐 Two of my friends have parents that have taken poorly over Christmas 😔

I have another NSD today as no plans but to stay home. Although I'm eyeing up garage storage on Amazon as currently garage is a mess but that's not a priority so can wait.
It was me @chimichangazfor the ideas on food plans. I do a lot of soups and stews too and although we don't need food for another week I shall go through cupboards and see what I can use too for the next few weeks.
I'm considering transferring to nationwide as I work for a bank that has been caught spying on employees bank accounts. Also, the payment they give you for swapping would be welcome this month.

Ooh I’d be interested to know which bank that is @Frugal25.

I’ve just reserved a Too good to go bag at Aldi on NYE. Never had one before so I’m hoping it’s decent. £3.30.

Next few days will be fresh fruit, milk and yogurt shopping only. Plenty of stuff in the freezer and I also need to prep and freeze the cheap veg I bought before Christmas.

I need to find a way to list the contents of my freezer, fridge and cupboards. Maybe a spreadsheet that is updated daily.

We bought cat food and pizza sauce today, £25. Oh and £3 for parking at the country park.

We will be trying to go for a walk each day, hopefully only paying for parking.

It's Lloyds @chimichangazalthough obviously they denied this as it's illegal. It's made me go through my contract and where I was made to have their bank account when I joined, I don't need to stay with them... So off I go.

Ooohh a spreadsheet sounds like a good way to do the cupboards @FurForksSake I may have to do the same as I lose track too easily.

I'm also trying to do walks every day and I'm really enjoying it too! So good to get out and enjoy the winter air.

I can recommend First Direct. Always had a good experience with them.

I just write down the contents of my freezer in a book when I can be bothered, and try and organise the two deep drawers so like things are together. Fridge stuff - I list anything that needs using up on the noticeboard in the kitchen. I could be more organised!

So yesterday was not a NSD, spent €45 on a dress that was on sale for 70% off.

had a lovely day at my sisters who did curry which we were all glad about.

today I’ve spent €135 in dunnes dale online for small child’s clothes and another €20 on Temu for craft supplies. I think i will delete the Temu app as I’ve enough craft materials to last quite a while.

I’ve gone through the fridge and sorted all the Christmas leftovers. Made two chicken and turkey pies topped with mash. Froze a small cheese cake and some stuffings. I’ve the last of the turkey in the slowcooker which is being turned into buffalo turkey which I’ll use on nachos.

DH is out tonight with his dad so I will make a platter with the Christmas cheese and other bits and pieces.

@Frugal25 and @FurForksSake ive used a Google sheet to track to freezers and pantry. It’s one sheet that includes my menu plan and a grocery list. I’ve not kept up with it hugely as I now just use a note on my iPhone to do it as it’s so easy for me to edit that and the Google sheet was a bit of a faff.

Spent just under £35 in Marks and Spencer today on a jumper, a running top and some fruit cake. I was surprised at how much was in the sale. I’d say nearly half the floor space was sale items.

Will be doing the same as @chimichangaz in the coming days. Hopefully setting things out will make things a bit clearer re timings and things. Would you mind reporting back on your Aldi TGTG? I’ve never had a grocery bag but have been tempted numerous times. I bought their Belazu delivery box a week or so ago and that was rather good.

A cheese platter sounds amazing @pistachiosanscream especially after an industrious day. Hope you enjoy it.

I want to update my fridge and cupboard inventory too @FurForksSake. I should really do it as I shop or cook I am sure that would be easier.

Did a little more organising/tidying today. I’m not sure I’m going to remember where I’ve put everything. Mopped the kitchen floor too so have achieved something. The vacuum is still in its box. I’ve not read any more of my book.

Hello all! Christmas day was relaxed chez nous. Lovely walk on Wimbledon common, nigella radicchio and chestnut salad and cheese during the afternoon while watching Crazy Stupid Love, confit duck legs and more Nigella-inspired sherry affogato for dinner. More walking and mum for late lunch on Boxing day (boeuf bourgignon from the freezer, apple crumble courtesy of DH), evening of Pinot noir and cheese after dropping DM home. Walking with brother and SIL today, home for ham and cheese toasties. And, er, Pinot noir.

spends: £5 on potatoes yesterday; £5 on bread, £2 on butter. £6 on hot chocolate and coffee while out walking.

I have logged on to the John Lewis site to browse bedding, and been tempted by a blanket. But I have no spare cash, and won’t have until the offer I’ve received on the flat translates into a signed contract. I won’t know any more on that front until after 2January. So no lovely blankets for me. Control yourself!

tomorrow I plan to sit down and sort out insurances and make a schedule of the payments due in January. Our house insurance and water rates will be reducing, so that is a small win (although I am sure it will be dwarfed by rises elsewhere) and I plan to keep a tight rein on food costs. I am however looking forward to treating myself in January as well- to a haircut, some daffodils when they come into the shops, and an outing with DH to Denis Severs house and possibly some music in one of the City churches. It can’t be all lentil soup and herbal tea!

Sorry l have been MIA again,my Mum hasn't been too good again and l am sad .
So not good company .
Hope everyone is ok and having a lovely Christmas. Thank you all for being so kind and supportive to me and to everyone here . Take care everyone 🤗

@MaryGreenhill please do chat away if it’s helpful. If it’s not, just know you are being thought of.

Thank you so much @FurForksSake that's so kind of you . I am just so sad because it's so difficult not being able to do anything to make a blind bit of difference.
Your hands are tied when it comes to being in this position and everything goes through your mind .

@MaryGreenhill
Oh love.
Look after yourself. Come talk to us if it helps.

Bit of a spendy day here today.

£36.99 on an hotel room for in a couple of months for an event.
£12 on a bulk buy of bin bags (yes I am officially middle aged and love it)
£7 on a Costa coffee trip for DH and I.
Trying to put a £15 boots order in but it keeps failing oddly.
Did get round to returning a jumper for £20 I brought it a month ago and never reached for it so it had to go.

Thank you @ChipshopPickledEgg that's so kind of you .
Spendy day for you but good bargain on the hotel and returning the jumper 🤗

@BigSkies2022 thays great news about the flat. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you that it’s all plain sailing from here.

@MaryGreenhill its so hard being in your position. Sometimes there’s just nothing you can do but the feeling of being in limbo is just awful. Hugs from me.

Thank you so much @pistachiosanscream you have described the feeling exactly. Hugs very gratefully received and returned ❤️

I was having a low spend day, cat food, Pepsi and not much else.

just spent £300 on chairs! We’ve had the same dining chairs for 12 years and I’ve hated them most of that time. I just ordered some habitat ones in the sale to replace them. We replaced the table six years ago and dh has the old dining table as his desk, so it’s taken a long time. Four dining chairs for £300 seems ok.

@MaryGreenhill I was reading something about how every Christmas is your first Christmas in some way, sometimes for good and sometimes for bad. Somehow that was comforting? Sometimes it feels like the sand is suddenly shifting, but actually things are always changing but we only notice the big shifts. I’m definitely feeling end of an era too, I’m trying not to feel too sad about it and thinking about how other eras have come and gone and we’ve weathered them over time. I’m sorry you are having to weather and I hope things improve again.

Oh @MaryGreenhillim so sorry. Please know we are all here and if you want to chat we shall always listen and offer hugs and support. Your poor mum and you (and your family of course)
Sending my love and thinking of you. You just look after yourself and if you don't feel up to chatting, we shall be here when you do.
Dining chairs sound a complete bargain @FurForksSake, photos or link please! The Christmas being a first each year sounds completely true doesn't it. Makes perfect sense.
Oohhh an event sounds fun @ChipshopPickledEgg
! Anything exciting?

https://www.habitat.co.uk/product/5021235?rec=PDP%5B7184039%5D:bottomSlider:P1:OHAT:alternatives:5021235:ZBEALuuhZnTU7yE3D7Rt I think they look nice and the reviews are good.