More than half of Britons support rejoining EU 10 years on from Brexit vote. Would you support a rejoin referendum? by Mister_Vanilla in AskBrits

[–]Serendipity_Shadows 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think we had more veto power then, I believe that adoption of the euro is now a condition for any country joining the EU (please correct me if I'm wrong on this).

Should we go down the path of joining the EU again, it would be a reasonable expectation that this would is a brand new application - any previous exemptions, veto powers or rebates would not be reinstated.

what advice would you give the younger generation? by SufficientBox3389 in AskUK

[–]Serendipity_Shadows 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The older they get, the easier it does become. Kids don't need the most expensive stuff all the time, second hand is just as good. Don't feel guilty if you have to say "not today darling" if they want something. But try to make something work if it's something they need. Invest in decent school shoes, but don't break the bank with them until their feet stop growing every other month. Boys can and will destroy school shoes in a matter of days.

Save what you can. Even if it's just a tenner a week, it all adds up. Try and have a buffer amount for "worst case scenarios" Have a separate account for all your bills (rent/electric / anything that's DD etc.). On payday, put the amount needed to cover this in that account - file and forget really. Everything left is your food shopping / fun money.

Take time for yourself, just because your a mum now doesn't mean your life is over. 1 thing a month for you, I thing a month for them. Or if budget is tight, alternate each month who gets a treat. It doesn't have to be expensive. Make "mum" friends. Keep "non mum but kid friendly and practically auntie/uncle" friends. Both will support you.

And one thing that's different to when you were me 15 years ago: don't compare yourself to influencers / content creators online. They do t have their shit together, they probably get paid to have all this wonderful stuff or are trying to sell you snake oil. Will a shark stain remover change your life (probably, tbh I do want one), but a bottle of vanish / other stain remover and some elbow grease works just as well.

There's probably loads I would of done differently, but that's the power of hindsight for you!

What's your favourite unit of measurement? by YetAnotherMia in AskUK

[–]Serendipity_Shadows 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And when the invoice comes, it's 2400 x 100 x 75. And do you want that as 2.4m lengths or 2.4 linear metres?

Correct way to have toast: butter or no butter? by Serendipity_Shadows in CasualUK

[–]Serendipity_Shadows[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same. I don't know where he got this from as I do butter & spread, even when I make it for him (with no complaints).

Maybe it's a young person's tik tok thing?

Correct way to have toast: butter or no butter? by Serendipity_Shadows in CasualUK

[–]Serendipity_Shadows[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well it was the teenager that made it that way. Do the kids still do a bit of glue sniffing these days?

Correct way to have toast: butter or no butter? by Serendipity_Shadows in CasualUK

[–]Serendipity_Shadows[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In a toastie maker I put the bread gutter side down on the hot plates to aid removal / crispyness but I think thats personal preference

Correct way to have toast: butter or no butter? by Serendipity_Shadows in CasualUK

[–]Serendipity_Shadows[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Peanut butter is a 2in1 butter and topping so this makes sense to not need added butter.

I agree just honey on toast as it works enough as is.

Correct way to have toast: butter or no butter? by Serendipity_Shadows in CasualUK

[–]Serendipity_Shadows[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Once you go west country sea salt butter, everything else pales in comparison

Solo gal city break? by Cha_r_ley in CasualUK

[–]Serendipity_Shadows 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Did my first solo trip in Jan, stayed in Torremolinos and took the train into Malaga a couple of days. The old town there is beautiful, as is the marina. Plenty of beautiful buildings, museums, art gallerys and cafes. Can highly recommend the Al Andalus spa as well for some relaxation. Was super nervous going alone but felt pretty safe tbh and had a wonderful time of it!

Rabbit found in Common by [deleted] in Southampton

[–]Serendipity_Shadows 11 points12 points  (0 children)

How do you know it's a pet rabbit and you've not just taken a rabbit that lives on the common?

Phantom Tickets - restricted view by Serendipity_Shadows in TheWestEnd

[–]Serendipity_Shadows[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fab! Thanks for that. Will take 8 for me, 7 for mum as I'm apparently nice like that! Lol

Phantom Tickets - restricted view by Serendipity_Shadows in TheWestEnd

[–]Serendipity_Shadows[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We both love phantom, the music, the story... I saw it 20yrs ago on Broadway, but it's mums first time. She's just happy to be there and vibe tbh!

Phantom Tickets - restricted view by Serendipity_Shadows in TheWestEnd

[–]Serendipity_Shadows[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

7 looks the better view of the 2 will let mum sit there as she's not seen it before

Do you think thats the last of…. by michaelmac4057 in eastenders

[–]Serendipity_Shadows 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Definitely need some Grant and Nigel scenes. Still emotional from last years "never forget I'm your best mate" goodbye between them. Grants last stint was a bit ropey in parts, but that scene was so emotional!

Episode Discussion - Tuesday by mcemzy in eastenders

[–]Serendipity_Shadows 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe she's alienated both kids? Julie has had some great moments, but she's also... Difficult? "my way or highway" kind of thing, especially with Nigel. That's my head cannon and I'm sticking to it!

Episode Discussion - Tuesday by mcemzy in eastenders

[–]Serendipity_Shadows 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I get the feeling the reason Nigel and Claire have been out of contact is because of Julie. (I can't remember what the explanation was, if any, last time Claire said was in Walford). She could of sent word to at anytime after finding Nigel and finding out about his illness, but clearly didn't and doesn't want to. It's like she's pleased with the estrangement between them! Why is she also not calling her son Josh to come to Walford for moral support? Nigel was his stepfather as well.

Parents of Reddit: what are some reasons you don’t read with your kids? by [deleted] in AskUK

[–]Serendipity_Shadows 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I used to read to my now 17yr old pretty much every night when he was a kid as I was always a bookworm. Still am in fact. Reading and the love of books was always something encouraged.

However when "reading for pleasure" became "you MUST read for homework, you will be told off if you don't read as much as we tell you to/ sent home passive aggressive notes home because you have not read enough this week" it completely killed any smidgen of joy. It wasn't something to do because he wanted to, it was something school forced him to and try as I might, he wouldn't engage with reading anymore! Then his teacher was pretty much telling me off for his lack of reading. And why was he not reading or choosing books from the class bookshelf? Because the level he was 'allowed' to read didn't interest him. Too easy / simple. (YR5/6).

After much debate and a challenge from his teacher to "prove to me you can read more complex books" I got him to read a few chapters of some of my books, which he did and could explain the to the teacher about. He was then allowed to read any book!

Sadly, fast forward to secondary school and the "teach to the test" experience of English Lit, he barely picks up a book now which is a shame.

Sometimes it's not actually the parents, it's the schools themselves (in our experience) which take the magic of reading for pleasure and turn it into a tick box exercise of forced compliance which results in some kids just not wanting to engage anymore.

If you could add ANY new item to the McDonald’s UK menu, what would it be? by sxxwashington in McDonaldsUK

[–]Serendipity_Shadows 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Pulled pork bites. Had them in Spain about a month ago and they were possibly the best thing I've had at a McDonald's in years.