The Best Is Yet To Come

slm6002

The sky is getting darker and darker and it looks like it might rain very shortly.  We had a quick shower as I was walking into town earlier.  I thought walking would be easier than trying to find a parking space, as well as the fact I only had a few bits to get / drop off.  It is also better for my health and purse.

Picked up the dates from the refill shop and dropped a library book off.  Then posted the postal survey letter off.  Didn't take too long.  The final delivery for presents has been received and the food delivery is 2 stops away.  A few subs but nothing terribly different.  Still a few gifts to deliver but still managing to keep the 2 plants involved alive.  Hopefully they will remain ok until delivered.

slm6002

Living room is clean, kitchen is almost there and downstairs toilet is sorted.  Visitor number 1 has been and 2 will arrive later this afternoon.  Still need to get upstairs sorted for Uncles arrival but we are getting there.  Needed a sit down for a bit.  

Realised last night that I had neglected my spreadsheet preparations for 2024.  Because of my lump sum of back pay last month, my council tax has gone up next month, but will probably go back down the month after.  Once the house is sorted I will get working on sorting spreadsheet out.  Love a spreadsheet so not a chore.

Also been paid today, a few days early as normally it is the 25th.  Popped money into savings pots already.  Car pot is looking a little low but considering I paid for a service a 3 new tyres last week I am not surprised.  There is enough for a basic MOT plus a little extra is needed - fingers crossed no further work required.

Have put the heating on as the house is feeling a little cold and damp, and with people coming to visit, I thought I should pop it on to help a little.  Also thinking about getting the Christmas puzzle underway later today.

Feel like I am starting to get sorted now.  Totally lost track of days, but know its not long to go lol.

slm6002

Yay it is Christmas eve and all the veg is prepared.  The ham has been cooked and the chicken defrosted.  I have done as much as I can before tomorrow.

The Christmas puzzle is well underway and the Christmas chocolates have been opened.  All but 1 present has been delivered (they are happy to meet up after Christmas).

Tomorrow is going to be busy and hopefully lots of fun.  Happy Christmas to you all 

Four_Seasons

Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 

slm6002

Thank you @Four_Seasons, I hope you had a great day too.   Well that is it over for another year.  We had a lovely day and I think everyone is happy.  We ate, unwrapped gifts, played games and went for a local walk in the dark to see the Christmas lights.

I have cleared the spreadsheet of presents purchased and set it up ready for 2024, in case I discover anything in the sales.

The food is slowly going down and gaps are starting to appear in the freezer and fridge.  Still plenty left though, as well as more fruit and veg that is still in the garage.

Everyone was happy with their gifts and this year as we are home they have been able to take them up to their rooms to put away / play with them.  As much as I like visiting my sister for Christmas, it has also been very nice and more relaxing being at home I think.  I got a few gifts including a new kitchen clock, as mine broke over 2 months ago.  I am very happy to see the time again at a glance, which will be helpful when we are all trying to get out to school on time.

My uncle bought us a wii fit as a family.  He has been using one since he retired in the summer and has lost 3 stone so far.  I think he thinks I can do the same.  Happy to give it a go, but having had one before, I am not sure how long it will last.

My uncle has been with us since the 23rd, but has today gone to my brothers.  I think we needed a day to relax without anyone here.  I'm watching Home Alone, as I haven't had the chance until now.  I've also finished the Christmas puzzle (apart from the 1 piece we can not find), so as soon as my uncle has seen it, that too can be packed away.  Tomorrow he goes home and my sister will be arriving for a few days.  She stays with my Dad so not at mine.

I hope you have all has a great few days

slm6002

Just looked at the budget and I still have £201 in the Christmas pot that I can roll forward to 2024.  I think this is mainly down to the fact that I have been turning the survey rewards into Amazon vouchers all year, and this covered a lot of my spending on gifts.  I will continue this  over the next 12 months.

Just looked at studio at the sales - not bought anything as yet though

Jessy103

Sounds like you had a good Christmas, slm. Hope you have a great new year and all the best for 2024! 🙂

slm6002

Thank you @Jessy103, best wishes for 2024.

It has been a grey and miserable day outside, so we have spent most of it keeping busy and relaxing at home.  I did need to pop out this morning to post my letters for the postal survey.  I am nearly up to the cash out level for that.  It will be the first voucher for Christmas 2024.

Other than that and half hour ago we have been home.  My sister and BIL visited while my Uncle was still here and then they all left just after midday.  Since then the house has been cleaned and then we have relaxed.  I have just returned from collected some bits from Olio.  There have been many large collections on there recently.  I hope to supplement our shopping a little more this year coming with these collections - hope to train DD1 to collect on the way home from her trips to see friends.  Over this Christmas period many of the items eaten were saved via Olio.  Our stocks should last some time.

slm6002

Well I have just returned from the Drs where a repeat blood was done from the last lot, as they were unsure of the results.  This nurse was no way near as good as the last and could not find my vein.  The bruise started before the blood had even started to flow.  It also tied in nicely time wise with my smear test that was very overdue.  Anyway all done and fingers crossed all is well.  If not we will deal with whatever is needed.  At least it is another thing ticked off the list for now.

Nothing planned for the rest of the day other than pootling around the house trying to get chores completed.  First load of washing will be going on shortly.  I am also going to try to get some extra surveys in as I have been slacking and almost at £20.  Be another voucher to add to the Christmas 2024 pot

twinklie

Chores on the list here too. I need to post a parcel, start cleaning the house, do some ironing and start looking at some stuff to list on Vinted.