Buy one and get one for twice the price

Husband's birthday on Monday so we're having a birthday tea party today. That could mean only one thing: an early morning visit to M&S in Mumbles to stock up on party food.

You've got to hand it to M&S: they've got their marketing schemes sussed.

"Buy 4 for 3!"
"Buy 3 for £8!"
"Buy one of these, one of those, and one of the ones in the pick wrapping, and you'll save money!"

Obviously I have to buy the number they suggest in order to save money. But then one of the items I pick up is short date so is cheaper anyway. Thus I have to buy it, plus something to replace it in the offer. I pick up 4 for 3 then discover two of them are in a different price range, so a different offer. You need a degree in complicated problems to work it out.

So I've ended up with enough to feed a small army. (And a thankful heart that we can afford this sort of luxury.)

Another problem with getting to Mumbles early is that half the places, such as the library, aren't open until 10. And midway through my shopping I slapped my forehead and exclaimed, "Candlesticks!"

We're beginning our look at Advent in Zac's on Tuesday so I needed four candles and receptacles. I wandered around the local hardware store reluctant to ask at the counter for "four candles." (Fans of old British comedy will understand.)

Eventually found a little Advent thingy in a charity shop.

* * * * *

Last night it was the tree light-up ceremony at church. Children from the local school were singing in the hall beforehand. I was a bit late getting there and the place was jam-packed. The children sang all the favourite Christmas songs and were very good. Then we all went outside to see the tree.

I got an added bonus. A toddler was getting bored. She wandered over to me, I held out my hand, she took it, and I led her into the little room behind the hall, and we drew on the blackboard. She was very smiley and happy with that. As was I getting to play with a little little one.