Monthly Archives: December 2011

Ah the good old resolution. We make them every year, each time more determined to succeed, and each time we break these promises to ourselves within weeks of making them. Think back… have you really ever made a resolution that you stuck to all year? Didn’t think so. So just what is it that we’re… Read more »

1. Prepare in advance If you’re cooking, make something you can prepare a day or two beforehand so you don’t spend the evening itself stressing over a stove. Nigella’s Christmas book contains lots of hearty winter recipes – not just turkey and Yule log – and is one of the few cookbooks that tells you… Read more »

And so to that buxom belle, Nigella, I turned for my alternative-to-Christmas-pudding-Christmas-gifts for my homemade Christmas challenge. This is probably one of the simplest cake recipes I’ve ever tried, and it turned out beautifully. I must disclose a guilty secret before I begin, however. Ninety percent of the wow-factor with this cake comes from baking… Read more »

Remember last month when I challenged myself to make my own Christmas gifts for a third of the people on my Christmas list? I’ve only gone and jolly well done it! How did it go? Let’s see. At first I was going to go with making pickles or preserves, but then I worked out that… Read more »

As 2012 draws to a close, we become ever smushier, reflecting on what has been an eventful year for both for TotallyMoney and the personal finance blogging world at large. Let’s take a look back at some of the highlights… January Kicking off the year with panache, Crystal from Budgeting in the Fun Stuff shared 20… Read more »

A post-Christmas lunch family walk, or Boxing Day pre-film fest walk is a tradition my family have long enjoyed. Heave yourself off the sofa and up a hill or along side a river in the bracing cold before returning home for cocoa mulled wine.  A family walk is a cheap or free source of entertainment… Read more »

Most sales are now in full swing, and nearly everyone’s offering 50% to 70% off. If you have time to shop around during the festive season then you can pick up some real bargains. Happy shopping! Department stores and supermarkets Argos has a range of online and ‘reserve and collect’ offers including 50% off toys,… Read more »

I’m not very organised when it comes to Christmas. I haven’t actually bought a SINGLE present yet (I will, I promise). Yet every year I scoff at those who buy their presents in the January sales. But this year, while I don’t think presents are the way to go, like A Thrifty Mrs I’ve realised… Read more »

Unusually, this year sees a few meal deals going right up to Christmas and even beyond. Enjoy the party season and meeting up with friends without breaking the bank. 1. Auberge The Auberge Bar & Restaurant chain is offering two for one on main courses every day of the week. Just fill in the form… Read more »

So, you’ve had the turkey for Christmas dinner and more turkey and stuffing sandwiches than you’ll freely admit to, now is the time to pep up the remains of leftover turkey with something a bit different, something with a bit of a kick to it, something fresh and tasty. Umm nom. To make spicy turkey… Read more »