There was No Spend November which worked well. Decadent December which involved coffee and cheese scones in various cafes and eating too many nice things at Christmas. Now it's 'Just Stay in January!'
This seems a good plan and means using up things left from Christmas, no unnecessary shopping, not going far - so not needing much diesel, and generally hibernating in my warm bungalow,(fingers crossed that hasn't jinxed the boiler which has been behaving nicely for several months now).
Here's what I'm planning.................
This is the page a day art book that I picked up from the Jumble Sale last year........ better get started. I'm using the Inktense colouring pencils to start with. They came from a boot-sale about 3 years ago, but I've not let the grandchildren loose with them as they are rather nice!
Masters Snooker starts January 12th on BBC and Silent Witness is back next week too.
The new series of The Good Ship Murder starts on the 10th . I've become a fan of Shayne Ward.....can't think why!
The freezer is full of meals that are "ones I've prepared earlier" plus some food bought before Christmas that I'll be using up this month.
I think Eldest daughter and the boys might be up from Surrey to visit. They were away in Thailand for Christmas so haven't had their presents yet.
I've still got several library books unread and there are 6 more arriving for me next week - yikes.
I need to finish transferring info from my old diary into the new one.
This was one of two snowy puzzles that I got from charity shop/boot sale in November and passed on to DiL as I decided it might have too much annoying snow - like the other which I tried and got cross with. Son and DiL finished it and said it wasn't too bad so I have it back again to tackle.
(Son to me - "Mother, surely jigsaws aren't meant to be easy or they wouldn't be called puzzles!") He always calls me 'Mother' when I'm being told off!
Here, our local library has a program. When you finish a puzzle, you can go to the library and trade it for another, free.
ReplyDeleteOur libraries have similar if needed, but I'm fussy (aka awkward) about the picture!
DeleteThe 365 art book looks enjoyable and those pencils are lovely. Made me smile about being called 'mother' rather than mum on occasion - I've had that too! Enjoy your stay in January, I'll be the same.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
I know I'm in trouble if son calls me Mother - not sure the daughters do it - I shall have to find out.
DeleteI was given that art book as a present. I started it in December, was overtaken by events as it were, but will pick up from where I stopped in a few days. I was enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I shall get far with the colouring book, think I'd rather be reading......we will see
DeleteNot wanting to put the dampers on things for your grandchildren. But you were making the right decision as Inktense are not a children's colouring pencil at all. A tin of 12 pencils retails at £31. So Sue, you had a very good bargain there. Also, if you do let them use the Inktense, remember that once mixed with water, they become colour fast. They won't wash out. Unlike with ordinary watercolour pencils, you can't dip these into water. If you do the core will harden, the pencil ruined. Colours with Inktense are fantastic, and they are a super medium to work with, so perfect for Just Stay in January.
ReplyDeleteI remember you saying they were a bargain when I found them. I'll just be using them like crayons. Thanks to the search function I know I found them in 2021 for £2 !
DeleteYesterday a friend of mine posted a picture of that very same jigsaw on Facebook, with the comment that she had really enjoyed it! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm doing the edges and already cross with it!
DeleteI'm usually called Ma, but Mother when I'm being told off!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know I'm not the only Mother when being told off!
DeleteThat sounds lovely and cosy and sensible too, the weather looks tricky for the next few days.
ReplyDeletePenny
I'll be happy if it snows - it will make a change from the grey and fog we had before Christmas
DeleteCould you show us some pages from the art book as you progress please? It looks really interesting xx
ReplyDeleteIt's not as exciting as it sounds - mainly colouring
DeleteMy eldest son always calls me "Mother" when he is keeping me in order and "Ma" the rest of the time. My youngest son only ever calls me "Mum". We have enough food in the freezer and cupboards to sink a battle ship so only fresh fruit and veg and milk to top up so hopefully a low spend month. It sounds like you have enough to keep you entertained. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I'm not the only one!
DeleteGiven the weather forecast Stay In January sounds like an excellent idea.
ReplyDeleteThe weather men have ramped up the fear for about 1 day of snow!
DeleteThe 365 Days of Art book really looks like fun. I had a chuckle at your son calling you Mother and the comment about it not being easy as it was a puzzle. The grandchildren have a nickname for me which came about when the first couldn’t quite say grannie. and my son calls me that most of the time, and then Mum, usually for a more serious conversation when we are alone and he’s checking up on me. One of the things I enjoy is when I see him and I get a warm hug from him. Our January can be cold, below zero. Happy New Year. Jean in Winnipeg.
ReplyDeleteI'll be very surprised if we get much snow, more usual nowadays is grey skies and rain
DeleteI call my art book an "art journal" so I can write in it on the days I don't feel like drawing (or in my case, "doodling")! You have some good plans for January. It will fly by and my calendar is already starting to fill up. Have a wonderful January, Sue!
ReplyDeleteI shall have to see if there are any Jumble Sales happening in January, sometimes I hear of one - there used to be lots.
DeleteStill have a new to me jigsaw to do and think I may just start today! Catriona
ReplyDeleteI've started. Will I finish - that is the question
DeleteI laughed at your son telling you off about the puzzle. I don’t like puzzles that are “too hard” either. Quick 500 piece puzzles are fun and easy. Cali G
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping the puzzle will be OK once I get some pieces sorted
DeleteJust another long-time lurker chiming in here! I have been reading since you were working your smallholding with your husband. Time moves on faster all the time! I read you every single day that you post! susan in Maine east coast USA.
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear from you. It is 10 years ago at the end of this year that we decided to move from the smallholding - an age but not long!
DeleteMy daughter‘mother’s’ me when I’m being told off! It makes me laugh.
ReplyDeleteI love that so many of us get told off!
DeleteJanuary is a cold month for us too. Currently it is 35 degrees F, just a bit above freezing. I am outside less but hike through the forest with my dog each day. Still no snow! I really want a good storm with everything covered in white. When the sun hits the snow, it is magical.
ReplyDeleteThe days are so much lighter when there is sun on snow - hope it happens
DeleteI love reading all your plans. I like the idea of decadent December and I have tucked it away for next Christmas. I read a lot during January and I'm working through the book list you posted, its nice to have recommendations. When in trouble I am Mother to my daughter and Mum, Mum, Mum to my son.
ReplyDeleteMy decadent December was pretty low key really. I should have had more outings and extravagances!
DeleteI often wonder when 'Mum' became 'Mother'. Not so much for a telling off, but almost feels like I'm being patronised. Am I being a nuisance? I do love his hugs though, so I think I might still be acceptable in his eyes! It's .my youngest son who 'Mothers' me; the two older ones still call me Mum.
ReplyDeleteIncidentally, you have solved my Christmas present quandary for my middle son. He lives and works abroad; I haven't seen him for 16 months but he is due to visit in late January, all being well. His present has to be able to pack easily, not be bulky and obviously something he will appreciate. Those Intense crayons sound ideal! Now ordered along with a new A5 pad. Thanks!
The crayons are lovely to use- I'm just colouring but they can be shaded etc with brushing water over them I think
DeleteStaying in sounds a very good idea - have a wonderfully relaxing time. xx
ReplyDeleteI'll start relaxing when I've got all the tidying up done!
DeleteI am going to stay in for the first two weeks to hope all the sickness passes.
ReplyDeleteWe have already had our share. Husband is doing puzzle.
Cathy
Jigsaw sympathies - I reboxed a 1,000 piece one and then a 500 piece one because they were hard and annoying me! The Christmas one I got is just as bad, but I shall persevere :)
ReplyDeleteI'm trying not to go out too, but have a Christmas meal next week (History society), car MoT - that won't be cheap - and other expenditure. Like you, trying to eat out of the freezer as much as possible.
Waiting for tomorrow's snow now . . .
Yay, for Silent Witness coming back. I hadn't watched it for years and then last year I binge watched all the old series and really got hooked.
ReplyDelete