Jane Sargeant’s Post

‘Tis the season! To be crazed! Fa La La La La La La La La…. The holidays are in full swing and in case you didn’t notice, we have one less week this year between Thanksgiving and Christmas and the end of the year than we usually do. Bring on holiday shopping, party planning, year-end expense reports, holiday cards, school parties, Secret Santas, client collections, holiday decorations, finalizing 2025 budgets, baking, wrapping, year-end billables, and anything else that you added to your year end to do list back in August that is still hanging around. Every year we slip into the same overdrive mode and set up unrealistic expectations for what we are going to do between today and December 31. Or at least I do, and I suspect I’m not alone. So here is your Public Service Announcement that you do not need to get everything done that you “think” you need to get done. Because it will all still be there on January 1, 2025. Permission granted to be kind to yourself and just get done what you need to get done. It will be more than enough! #holidaystress #wellbeing #mybusiness #newwayforward #voiceofreason #lawyerlife #solopreneur

Christmas is coming … If you are the owner of a holiday let, now that half term has been and gone, your thoughts are likely to be turning to the next significant milestone in the letting calendar. It’s another big one – Christmas and New Year. Hopefully the diary is already full or nearly so. If it isn’t then maybe you are thinking “what can I do?” Perhaps, when taking stock after half term, you might have thought that your holiday let could do with a bit of an upgrade or even simply being dressed for Christmas and New Year. If this sounds like you don’t despair - preparing your holiday let for Christmas is the topic for this month’s Blog. What are your plans for Christmas and New Year? Do you have a holiday let? #holidaylet #selfcatering

🎄🐟 A Christmas Eve Tradition from Eastern Europe 🐟🎄 Did you know that in many Eastern European countries, eating carp on Christmas Eve is a cherished tradition? 🐟✨ Families gather to enjoy this freshwater fish as part of a meat-free feast, symbolising luck, prosperity, and a nod to centuries-old customs. Here’s the quirky bit: traditionally, the carp is kept alive in the family bathtub for a day or two before being prepared! 🛁🐟 This practice ensures its freshness and has become a unique, nostalgic memory for many households – though it’s safe to say the kids might think they’ve got an unusual new pet for Christmas! 🎅😂 Carp is often prepared in a variety of ways: 🍲 Fried with a crispy golden coating 🍋 Served in a tangy lemon sauce 🌿 Stewed with fresh herbs and vegetables What’s more, carp scales are believed to bring good fortune – many families keep one in their wallet all year as a lucky charm. 💰🐟 While it’s not a UK tradition, it’s a heart-warming reminder of how food connects us to heritage and festive cheer. Why not try a new dish this season? Or share this fun fact around your Christmas table for a bit of festive trivia! 🎅✨ Do you have any unique holiday food traditions? Share them in the comments – we’d love to hear! #ChristmasTraditions #EasternEurope #CarpForChristmas #FestiveFeast #SeafoodStories #KentSeafood #FoodWithHeritage

BUY IN BULK AND SHARE THIS CHRISTMAS! As Christmas draws closer food prices are going up and up!. One effective way to save is by bulk buying essential items. However, it’s important to remember that purchasing in large quantities can lead to waste if you don’t share with others. Consider creating a list of friends, family, and colleagues who might be interested in sharing the cost of bulk items. You can easily split the expense of essentials like rice, beans, chicken, turkey, cooking oil, and other non-perishables that can be stored. This is also a wonderful opportunity to give back! Consider sharing some of your bulk purchases with your office staff, household helpers, and friends or relatives who may be facing financial challenges this Christmas. With prices already on the rise and likely to increase even further in the coming days and weeks, now is the time to complete your bulk shopping before the last-minute holiday rush. Let’s make this season of giving in every sense. #Shopsmart #sharethejoy #giveback #holidays #christmassavings #december #moneymatters #financialwisdom #seasonofgiving #personalfinance #mmwithnimi

Don't Let Rodents Ruin Your Christmas: Your Festive Checklist for a Pest-Free Home Christmas is a time for joy, festive gatherings, and delicious food – but it can also bring the risk of rodent infestations. With decorations coming down from lofts, heaps of extra food in the house, and increased waste, this time of year can inadvertently invite unwanted guests like mice and rats into your home. We've pulled together a practical checklist to help you keep your home rodent-free and ensure your Christmas is as merry as it should be.https://https://lnkd.in/evEsFYrs

NEW BLOG: How to Maintain Your Home’s Organisation Through the Festive Chaos The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and, let’s be honest, a bit of chaos. With guests arriving, decorations everywhere, and a mountain of gifts to wrap, it’s easy for your home to look and feel more like a jumble sale than a sanctuary. But with a bit of planning and a few organising strategies, you can keep things under control and actually enjoy the festive cheer. I know how tempting it is to let go of the usual routines during this busy season. But trust me, taking a little time to stay on top of things will make a world of difference. No more scrambling for last-minute presents you’ve hidden and forgotten about or feeling overwhelmed by post-holiday clutter. Let’s dive into some practical ways to maintain order and still have time to sip on your mulled wine. Check it out at https://lnkd.in/e8V-SfPM #decluttrme #professionalorganizer

Christmas Markets Are Here! 🎄 One of the best things about this season? Christmas markets popping up everywhere! Today, we had the pleasure of visiting the Christmas Market in Williamsburg, and it did not disappoint. ✨ Cozy vibes ☕ Delicious coffee 🎁 Charming stalls with unique finds It’s the perfect place to soak up the holiday spirit and find that little something special for loved ones. If you’re new to the area or looking for a festive outing, this is a must-visit! What’s your favorite Christmas market tradition? Let us know in the comments! #ChristmasMarkets #HolidaySeason #WilliamsburgVA #ExpatLife #AtlanticExpats #CozyChristmas

Looking for a smart way to manage Christmas Day lunch expenses while hosting your extensive extended family? 🎄 Consider splitting the cost with family and friends! This approach not only eases the financial burden but also brings you together and creates those lasting memories. Each person or family can contribute by bringing starters, main dishes, or desserts, drinks making it a collaborative effort. Here's to a budget-friendly and joyful holiday season, free from the stress of shouldering all the costs alone. Remember, you don’t have to pretend to be Father Christmas! Everyone understands the challenges we’re all facing today. Let’s celebrate but keep it manageable and stress free! #Christmaslunch #Moneytips #Christmas #Budgetfriendly #Familytime #Personalfinance #MMwithNimi #Moneymatterd

Planning for Christmas can feel overwhelming, but a few smart financial strategies can make it affordable and stress-free... Embrace DIY decorations: Get creative with homemade decorations using items you already have at home or inexpensive supplies from pound shops. This not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to your holiday décor. Be mindful of food expenses: Hosting a Christmas gathering doesn't have to break the bank. Plan your menu ahead of time, shop for ingredients during sales, and consider a potluck-style meal where guests bring a dish to share. Create new traditions: Instead of focusing on material gifts, consider creating new traditions that focus on experiences and quality time. Host a festive movie marathon, a board game night, or a DIY craft workshop, and make unforgettable memories without breaking the bank. #christmas #budgeting #spending #finance

🦃 Thanksgiving in the West: What’s the Cost? Hosting Thanksgiving dinner for 10 in the West will cost $67.05, making it one of the priciest regions in the U.S.—15% higher than the national average of $58.05. However, meal costs are down 6% from last year! Traveling for the holiday? ⛽ Oregon gas prices dropped to $3.55/gallon, down from $4.06 last year but still above the national average of $3.06. ✈️ Average flights to popular destinations like California and D.C. now cost $232.08, up slightly from last year’s $222.22. How are you celebrating Thanksgiving this year? 🍁 #Thanksgiving