[Ian Robinson]

Started buying yummy and fizzy stuff for Xmas and New Years today.

Pepsi products 2 x 2l bottles for the price of one at Coles was a great deal so bought a dozen various bottles and some mandatory 2l bottles of Coke.

Will hang off on getting the ham and turkey until maybe a few days before Xmas (those 2kg Steggles breast meat and leg meat preseasoned roasts are great value - usually get one or the other - beats a whole bird hands down).

Will call my friendly prawn trawler skippers end of next week to get my bulk buy (5 to 6 kg) of either fresh cooked Hunter River or Myall River prawns (I'll freeze these in brine in 1kg lots (not sure if I'll shell them first (which is best frozen shelled or in the shell ??) , and maybe a muddy or two (I'll try to catch these).

Will likely spend more on seafood , ham, turkey, drinks, dips and other Xmas / New Year treats than presents this year .

We don't normally go to Xmas or New Years parties - would rather a nice home cooked meal , maybe with just family or a few friends - aways on a BYOG and bring a plate basis in this household) than paying through the nose to eat out in a noisy and crowded restraunt or club.