December has been a ridiculously busy month, so I haven't had time to update this blog until now. Work has been extra manic with all the flu-induced staff shortages, uni deadlines have loomed, and somehow I've managed to organise everything in time for Christmas (although it's all a bit of a blur, so I may have Santa to thank for that). However, I have managed to rack up some extra cash from all the overtime (always a silver lining). The total now stands at £3733.87, which is a bit more than I was aiming for by this point.
Christmas is always a dangerous time of year for my bank balance. I've never had trouble talking myself out of buying pretty heels or new dress (although there have been incidents where I've bought a gorgeous pair of eskimo boots from French Connection with the sole (haha) purpose of spending the night parading up and down in front of the mirror in them only to get a refund the next day). But I get a massive kick from splashing out on presents for other people (unresolved control issues maybe) and it's a real struggle sticking to a budget. This year I've been good though. I had a list by November with prices and shops, and spent a couple of weeks looking for all the best deals (no last minute panic buying). I managed to find most of the gifts online, so got a few £££ back on TopCashBack (I've used it for 2 years now, so happy to link them - although they should really pay me for the free ad) as well as various online discounts (I'll add a link on the side for the website I use). I should also note the money saved on travelling around shops in person, as most items were free delivery. I actually came in £3 under the budget I had set myself, so feeling very smug! And everyone was happy, so declaring it a victory.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for 2013!
