A Trip to the Mall, an Xmas Shopping Trip and Lunch Out W/E 25th November 2023

This week started with a lovely dog walk on Sunday. We went to a favourite spot that I haven't been to in a few weeks and had a lovely leisurely walk. It was nice to get out into the fresh air after working the previous week.

When we got in I did a bit of sewing and then persuaded OH to come to the local Mall with me, as I needed to drop off the yearly Shoe Box donation for Operation Christmas Child. He didn't take much persuading, as he wanted to find somewhere to watch the cricket on TV and soon found a bar where it was on.

Unfortunately, the shop where I needed to drop the shoe box was closed. I was really disappointed as it meant a second trip there the next day. Anyway, I wanted to pick up an item from Primark, to wear for work. I'd seen it on a visit a couple of weeks ago when I got my hair cut, but I didn't buy it then as I wasn't sure if it was appropriate work wear. Having worked this week, I think it will be suitable and very useful. It was a fleecy gilet. I figured it would be good for keeping warm at work, but hopefully not too warm. It wasn't expensive, just £12 and will do the job perfectly. I made a minor adjustment to the pockets to enable me to keep my phone in an inside pocket whilst working.

After the cricket had finished, OH accompanied me to John Lewis to take a look in the Xmas department.  It's got to be done at this time of year.  He treated me to an ornament for the tree. I chose this little felt reindeer:

So cute and only cost £3.50.  

(You can see my homemade advent calendar in the background to this picture. Inspired by a post on Pinterest, I made 24 little pouches like this one from brown paper, filled them with different chocolates (that average 30 calories per pouch), threw them all in a glass jar and each day I will pick one out at random. I think they're cute. A bit like Chinese fortune cookies, but the pouch is not edible and without the message.)

I also bought some sparkly red ribbon at John Lewis, to decorate the fabric Christmas crackers I'm attempting to make this year. Here's a picture:

It is very pretty and was only £1.50 per metre which was a steal.

We then picked up an Xmas present for LB, before heading to the food court for supper. I got food from Tortilla. I had a naked veggie chilli burrito, which was really tasty and not too calorific. OH went for a Rogan Josh from the Indian food concession. It was a treat to eat out and not have to worry about cooking when we got in.  The Mall was super busy. Shopping is better suited to young people on the weekend. I don't have the energy or patience anymore. I much prefer visiting mid week, whenever I do need to go. We enjoyed ourselves, but were super glad to get home again.

On Monday, I had quite a few errands to run.  The first was to pick up my prescription from the pharmacy. I'd tried to collect it on Saturday, but they were closed, so had to return today. I took a detour there on the dog walk.

After lunch, I needed to return to the Mall to take the Shoebox to the drop off point. To avoid any further expense, (the parking at the Mall the day before had been expensive) I cycled there. It didn't take too long and I was straight in and out again. I took care of another errand on the way, i.e. posting a parcel.

Once I'd done these errands I could relax and chill for the evening. I received my work schedule for the week today. I'm going to be working a couple of afternoons, as opposed to working all lates, which will be good.

On Tuesday, I was up early and off to the gym. My work shift today meant that I wasn't able to go to my usual class, as it didn't leave me enough time to get showered and get to work, so I booked a gym session instead.

Luckily, it was quiet in the gym, so I really enjoyed the session and didn't have any difficulty getting on any of the machines.

When I got home, I got ready for work and then had some lunch. Work was good. I got to do some more merchandising of Xmas products. One of my afternoon shifts this week was cancelled, which was fine, as it gives me an extra free day.

I got paid from my last temping job back in October today, and once again I got a bit more than I expected, which I was thankful for.

On Wednesday, I was all set to spend the day sewing, but then I decided to take a trip to Home Bargains and B&M. I'd tried to go at the weekend, but they were so busy, I couldn't park easily, and the last trip I made to Home Bargains I got stuck in traffic for over an hour just leaving the car park, so I was determined not to experience that again. Going in the morning, there was much less traffic. I got a regular few bits we needed, a few small Xmas presents/cards and a few Xmas food bits I'd been looking for for a while. I treated us to some Xmas scented hand wash, totally unnecessary, but nice all the same. This was the only one that I actually liked the scent of.

I then headed to Tesco to pick up a few bits for the dog and ended up getting a few more Xmas presents and other bits of food/toiletries we needed.

Next was a quick visit to Lidl for some more food bits, another couple of Xmas presents and to use a voucher for a free item. My spend took me to £250 spent there this month, so I earned 10% off my next shop which is always welcome.

Last of all, I called in at B&M and ended up buying a whole basket full of stuff. This included another couple of very small presents, lots of dog treats, some food bits (including a few reduced ones for the freezer that I couldn't resist) and another few Xmas bits. I was looking for an Xmas reed diffuser, but I couldn't find one I liked. I did buy this cute Santa wax melt burner, which I'll enjoy using this Xmas, but I'm still looking for the reed diffuser.

I've got this White Company candle to use this Xmas, which was a gift last year, so once I've got the diffuser and then splashed out on some Xmas scented Zoflora, I'm done with the home smellies for this year.

I don't have many presents left to buy now, which is all good. I don't want to be rushing around shopping at the last minute, when the shops are packed with people. I'm waiting for a few things to be delivered and I may buy a few things from work, but other than that, I don't think I'll be doing many more Xmas shopping trips.

Thursday, marked the end of week 24 of my weight loss/fitness journey and was monthly weigh in day. I hadn't lost any weight this week to speak of, probably because I have eaten over my calorie allowance on most days, but over the month I've lost 4lbs so far, which is consistent if nothing else. I had lost an inch here and there though, so I was happy with this. I'm hoping I can continue losing at this pace right up to Xmas, so that I can reach 2 stone of weight loss, which will be a big milestone.

I did my usual of taking pictures.  The difference is starting to show more now, which is satisfying. It feels quite nice when my clothes feel a bit loose for a change.

I headed to the gym early again today and had a good session. When I got back, I did a bit of sewing on my machine and then had some lunch before getting ready for work. I was ready a bit early, which gave me enough time to do some hand sewing to finish off the first of my Xmas crackers. I was happy with the outcome and it works pretty well when you pull it.  This one is for the dog, hence the dog print and paw print ribbon.

Work tonight was okay. I was trained to do a different job in the store, which made a change. It wasn't too busy where I was working, which was good whilst I was learning the ropes. I put my name down for the work Xmas meal and Secret Santa tonight. I haven't done one of these for many years, so why not?

On Friday, I was quite tired after not sleeping well. I wanted to do some sewing today, but after getting up late and walking the dog, half the day was gone. I then needed to go and do a weekly shop, as we were very low on the things we use daily and I can't go tomorrow or Sunday as I'm working and we're going out somewhere, so I did it today. I used my 10% off voucher which saved me £5 off my shopping.

By the time I got back and unpacked it was 3pm, so I ended up snoozing on the couch. I just needed a bit of down time after a busy couple of weeks starting the new job. Sometimes, a nap is the only thing that hits the spot. I made up for it by doing a bit of hand sewing later, on the new quilt and then spending two hours doing food prep in the kitchen before heading to bed.

On Saturday morning, I woke after the first good night's sleep I've had in days. I took myself off to the gym early again for the free over 50's session. I cut down my routine today, as I had to leave early.  We were going out of town to visit some friends in Kent for lunch. We drove out to Kent and had a lovely meal in a very nice Italian restaurant. It was almost 3pm by the time we finished the meal and we had to set off back to London very soon afterwards as I was due at work for 5pm and didn't want to risk getting caught in traffic.

We got back in time for me to go to work and then OH picked me up when I finished. He'd bought a couple of ready meal curries for supper which was much appreciated when I got home from work. I was so glad to get home and relax after getting through a very busy week.

How was your week?