Sunday 15 September 2013

slipping, but massive excitement!

My organisation has slipped already since the school term started. I am determined to get it back under control though. As I keep popping out for something little and then buying an extra something. I am have been and bought the fruit and veg for the week this morning and I have put petrol in the car. I am going to challenge myself to EVERY school day this week being a no spend day. I am leaving my purse with the bank card in it at home!

I have got a good start on my Christmas shopping. I have lots of ideas, many of the little presents organised. I just need to get my nieces and nephews presents, stocking fillers for Stephanie and something for Dylan. For all of these things I know what I am getting/giving. It's just organising it all. Especially when you consider that I have 14 nieces and nephews all together! Dylan's present is fairly expensive however his Dad and I go halves on his present every year especially now that he is getting older and technology is what he is into. I have a maximum budget of £100 for each of my children. I don't spend over it but I will underspend happily. Especially as I booked a Christmas surprise for the three of us, it is an expensive treat at £800 including travel, however it could have cost double this if I hadn't been watching for offers since I started saving last November! The good news is as I had expected the treat to cost over £1000 I now have plenty of spending money saved for us as well, so we should come home with change. I'm very excited- Dylan knows about the surprise but I'm trying very hard not to tell Stephanie, I want to see how far we get before she figures out where we are going. Its is possible we will be at least almost there before she works it out, as we are not taking the direct train.

A little clue where we are going;

 

We are staying for 2 nights. to get the train direct was £700! for the 3 of us. So we are getting the train to Paris, where we will change onto the train to Marne le vallee doing it this way has cost £267.50 saving a total of £432.50! which almost covers the £558.00 for hotel and park tickets.

So a massively expensive Christmas present for the 3 of us, but we are having less presents this year. I would much rather give the children an unforgettable experience than a forgotten in 2 weeks pile of toys.

Did I mention I am just a LITTLE BIT EXCITED!!

10 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. I'm terrible with surprises when I get excited, I have been known to let presents slip when I know it's something someone really wants. Only 3 months until I can say it out loud! LOL

      Delete
  2. Very very exciting, this year we rae having lots of experiences and very few gifts, it is the momories of this your children will have when older, not the pile of plastic they got. xxxx
    www.onelifeand3kids.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Totally agree- I'm off to check our your new family members now!

      Delete
  3. Hi Sarah,

    School life does take over in September doesn't it! I hope the no-spend days go well this week.

    What an amazing deal you got on your trip. You must take a photo of Stephanie's face when she realizes. Bless her. And Dylan will love it too. I went on a Disney Holiday when I was 17.

    And how funny I was just commenting on Frugal Mum's blog about how lovely she is for taking her children away on holiday-that these memories mean more than any 'stuff' children get given.

    You're a great Mum.

    Sft x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, you make me blush :-D
      I can't wait, I'm so excited. We have been to Disney before but for day visits. I hope we all enjoy it at least as much as we did the other year.

      Delete
  4. Ooh, what an awesome surprise for Stephanie :D I totally agree that although this may cost more, its something that will stick with the children for the rest of their lives, rather than cheap 'stuff' which they'll grow out of eventually xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so excited! I need to do more treats rather than junk!

      Delete
  5. Your family is going to have a wonderful trip! And by the way, I'm very impressed that you're already well on you way with your Christmas shopping. I'm not ready to even think about it yet!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. I am really excited and very nervous I'll forget myself and let it slip!

      Delete