NST DECEMBER Don't Be a Martyr for Christmas

apple_muncher

January is live:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6227335/nst-january-2021-the-turtles-do-the-jitterbug/p1?new=1

Toni'sfriend

My lovely new food mixer arrived today. Can't wait to try my hand at baking. I've totally lost track of what has been ordered for said baking as some of it has been paid for by gift vouchers, some Himself and the Boy bought me as little presents but this is my plan to learn a new skill for next year.

The Boy came yesterday for "Christmas" dinner and we had a lovely time. I love to see him open his presents even though he's grown up now. It takes me back to when he was little and Christmas was so exciting. We had delicious roast beef which was all the better because it was half price. Think I might be getting a bit obsessed by bargains.

Himself and I watched Home Alone. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. I just love that film.

Must try to get back into a normal routine tomorrow instead of sitting here eating chocolate.!!!!!

apple_muncher

We love Home Alone too! We've seen ha + ha2 + 3 recently!!

Toni'sfriend

Haven't seen no 3. Would you recommend it. I was a bit wary because the cast changed.

mothernerd

Another quiet day. I don't think either of us has much appetite and there are lots of things in the fridge to nibble. Lengthy messaging session with DS3 about leaks, blockages and bins. He and Beloved both seem to be very depressed and he is resisting taking medication. My 'advice' was not well received. It may be time to bring in a cleaning service - just to clear all the rubbish and do a deep clean (definite hoarding tendencies but not sure they are as bad as student house/ end of tenancy clean - I've had a lot of weird neighbours in the house next door over the years). 

Snow kept me indoors. I collected rubbish and watched the path melt until I felt safe enough to venture down the path. I have had a couple of bad falls some years ago and I tense up, which is the worst thing you can do in poor conditions. Mum asked about the kitchen bin at the last moment- I removed the bag a few days ago and took it round, gathering everything up but she has managed to fill it again (she was trying to throw away some jars in the fridge yesterday, nothing wrong with the contents). Took some effort but managed to squeeze the bag in the bin (don't normally fill it but still some stuff from yard tidying and general declutter).

I am grateful for lovely desserts (nearly finished the apple oaty crumble but took a lemon meringue out of the freezer - it was taking up too much room, delicious leftovers, bingeworthy box sets, getting up and down the path, deciding to end the conversation with DS3 for now (I was starting to sink under the wave of woe ), sending hugs and getting them back.

apple_muncher

Toni'sfriend said:

Haven't seen no 3. Would you recommend it. I was yes! a bit wary because the cast changed.

Yes - the change of cast worked well.

apple_muncher

Today I am grateful for a walk with friends, for dd enjoying skateboarding, for hm chili and chips, for tech, for a good book.

f0xh0les

NSD 4 in a row today (possible 7 total - I know I went off piste after 3, got lost, and not sure where I ended up apart from in a supermarket at 3pm on Xmas Eve but back on track now).   Swallowed a frog - did the car insurances, and because nobody is going anywhere and everyone is at home, something must have shifted in the insurance algorithms as the price was much lower than it usually is.  Or maybe we just have old cars and a little bit more driving experience.  I dunno, but it was cheap.

Gratitudes: having made soup yesterday for lunch today, a good night's sleep, Xmas pudding for breakfast (there was one portion left in the fridge last night), candles and twinkly lights.

ldee2111

NSD 13/15 - only 3 days left to the end of the year. I might just manage it. I’ve got a top-up shop to do but nothing else that needs £. 

Met up with a friend at the park today and our little gang of DSs who got to run about and burn off some energy, as did I. This is my frugal friend so we both showed up with hot drinks in flasks saving on takeaway teas. 

As well as the tea, I managed to drink my daily target of 1500ml water. Dinner was from the meal plan. 

DS needs to get a new size of car seat soon so I’ve been scoping them out and settled on one. Found it for £40 in JLews - a bargain compared to the first-time anxious parent price we paid for his current one. I can also get a little cash back on it. I was very excited to find the exact same seat, albeit in pink/purple, for £12.50 at Argus!!!! Sadly and unsurprisingly it is sold out in every corner of the country - online and in store. Oh well, £40 is not too bad. Might hang off another month or two and see if any discounts pop up. 

Ever so grateful for being close to lovely green spaces, an enjoyable walk in the woods with my good friend, and the enjoyment of watching our sons have fun together out in the fresh air. 

Thanks for the reflection prompts and also for setting this month’s challenge @mothernerd. 

facethemusic

Monday- did a top-up shop so still NSD 16, managed to tick a few things off the to-do list, spent some time with DD and walked the dog. That pretty much filled in the day and it's back to work tomorrow!