One of the ways that we save up for special occasions and treats is to save all of our small change.At the moment we're saving 1p's, 2p's, 5p's and 10p's but when we're feeling a bit flush (usually around pay day ;-)) we also save 20p's and there may even be the occasional 50p thrown in for good measure.We save them in three vases that sit on the kitchen windowsill - some people have herbs or flowers, we have money!When they get full, we take them along one of the machines in our local supermarket where we change them and get cash. I know the machines usually charge around 8p for … [Read more...]
Frugal alternatives to Christmas cards….
What sort of person are you when it comes to Christmas cards? Do you...a) love writing out Christmas cards.b) make your own Christmas cards and take great pleasure in giving them out to your nearest and dearest.c) only give Christmas because you feel like it's expected but hate having to sit down and write them out.d) just not bother with them at all.I'm a definite C with my Christmas cards although I'm very jealous of all you A, B and D's ;-)Over the last few years though, I've found a few ways to reduce the number of cards I write our by lots (without making me look … [Read more...]
Is anyone else not feeling as festive as they want to be feeling….
I'm not feeling as festive as I want to be this year - I'm trying and trying but it's not happening.Don't get me wrong, I am excited and I am looking forward to Christmas but somethings's missing and I just can't seem to get myself into the Christmas spirit.I usually start feeling it as soon as the first door on the advent calendar is open but in the last few weeks, I've been ill, Mr Frugal's had to have a chest Xray and an Ultrasound to check and see if he has kidney stones (they don't think he has), Master Frugal has had a week off school and to top it off my laptop died. And as if … [Read more...]
How much do you spend on your children at Christmas….
It's November tomorrow so I feel justified in asking you all just how much you spend on your children for Christmas. After all, the big day is only 54 days away.How much do you hate me for reminding you of that right now?I've been gradually doing my Christmas shopping for months now and I've managed to get a LOT for what I've actually spent. I've bought things in the Tesco 2 for 1 sale (ends today I think) and got some great bargains in the Sainsbury's half price toy sale last week.I've also bought some things off eBay and from the car boot sale. Top of Master Frugal's list was … [Read more...]
Get Organised – the getting a head start on Christmas edition….
I know, I know, the kids have only just gone back to school so it's ridiculous to be talking about Christmas!Or is it?I know a lot of you will be way ahead of the game and be practucally finished your Christmas shopping but I also know that even more of you won't have even started yet. Which is why I thought that I would share some of my getting organised for Christmas tips.Write a list of people you need to buy for - This one's self explanatory really although I just want to add that you shouldn't feel like you have to buy for people.Work out your budget - I work out how … [Read more...]
To wrap or not to wrap….
The only downside that I can think of to Christmas is wrapping presents - I absolutely hate it. You can always tell which is my gift in a Secret Santa present line up - it's the one with no smooth edges or corners, bits of sellotape hanging off it and the odd tear in the wrapping paper.I just about manage to get by with wrapping my family and friend's presents (with a lot of help from the gift bags I save throughout the year) and making them look half way presentable but tackling the kids presents is my worst nightmare. I do have my own little system to make it as easy as possible for … [Read more...]
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