My frugal 2018 ... and the white Christmas tree

It is that time of year when my mind turns to the coming year. Next year I plan to see just how little I can get away with spending. Last weekend I bought a beautiful glittery hard backed note book which I will use to log any spends. The plan is to only spend on absolute essentials.  I am well stocked with dies from China now and if I want any more I shall simply put them on my birthday list. I will be doing that good old fashioned thing''' keeping money in a tin. I am absolutely determined not to spend on my debit card and will only spend cold hard cash. It is far too easy to reach for the card every time we need something and we are starting to lose the concept of 'do I need it'. Fortunately I am in the position where 'can I afford it'  isn't much of an issue as I am not a big spender. My idea of a splurge would be £20 of dies from China... If you have never had a look at dies on Ali Express then you have no idea how much £20 will buy... it is quite a few dies. This year I had  few big spends.. I bought a new fridge, my business insurance has increased slightly and then there was the cost of the TV license. Tony's birthday trip cost a good chunk from my savings and  Christmas is just around the corner. We have used more solid fuel ovals than wood this year and I have just bought a better grade of the ovals.  It has proved to be a good buy and I will buy them again when we next look to buy fuel. The cost is worth every penny as the whole house is kept gently warm from a half dozen pieces of the fuel. I leave the sitting room door open so that the heat can flow through the house.  Most people might feel that the house is  a bit on the cool side but I feel physically sick if I get too warm. I much prefer it cool.
As for the white Christmas tree. Unfortunately I can't get a decent photo.The image looks as though it is all grey but it isn't.... ohhhh how beautiful it looks. The theme is white and silver but there are tiny flashes of holographic glitter on some of the ornaments. I haven't even added lights as it would detract from the effect. The tree is absolutely pristine white and looks almost ethereal standing on top of the chest of drawers. I can't decide what I shall make as a topper.