Alcohol free January

[tcrbrew]

(I was just testing whether the crown would work on the other emotis, not being disapproving!)

Is three o'clock in the afternoon too early for a G&T?

Is the lemon one of your five a day?

Carigran has given us a nice smug emoticon for those of us who manage another dry day

Elderflower cordial with sparkling mineral water is lovely. The bottle green range do a nice selection of cordials, I had a pomegranate and elderflower cordial with sparkling mineral water and loads of ice when non driver one day over the holidays. Or, if you like ginger, there are some rather nice non alcoholic ginger beers in bottles, I had a lovely ginger and raspberry. I think the important thing is to make it the same kind of treat that the evening glass of wine is; use a nice glass, or put in lots of ice and a chunk of lime if replacing a gin and tonic.

Fever Tree tonic with ice and slice of fresh lime - gorgeous -

Day 4 of the dry January test, and so far so good, but I'm getting bored with the soft drink I'm using instead - sparkling water and occasional Diet Coke. Does anyone have any other suggestions? (I'm also trying to lose weight this month as a by-product of being alcohol free, so low calorie is preferred). Also, I'm finding that I have to get up in the night for a pee, presumably due to the larger volume of liquid in the soft drinks!

Well ethel we are all different. I admit to needing a prop, so that's how it is for me. My upbringing was such that I could have easily ended up on drugs or something, so a couple of glasses here and there is not so bad in my opinion.

I don't drink alcohol either. As long as no-one comes up with a coffee free month I will be alright.

I'm just finishing off the bottle of Baileys.

A tough job, but someone's got to do it!

We try to have alcohol free Mondays as there are more Mondays in a year than days in January. If a Monday turns out to be a special day we go alcohol free on another day that week. Don't know if it does any good but we do feel virtuous on Mondays!

My lovely Bombay Sappire is safely in the garage, Anya that might work!

vegasmags 'you' made me

DH loves a drop of gin and received some very interesting varieties for Christmas gifts. He is keeping me company during dry January but we are both looking forward to a bit of sampling when this is done.

Fish, chips and fizz for birthday celebrations Maggie - I'm just glad my birthday is in October and not January X

Day 3 nearly ticked off

Keep on keeping on ...

vegasmags ups made me

For gin-drinkers who are currently abstaining may I suggest a treat for February (in moderation of course). For Christmas, DD2 gave me a bottle of Edinburgh gin - Heather Rose. Like no gin I've ever had. Very different in taste and colour and absolutely delicious. To all the naysayers- please ignore. To those who are doing well and think they might enjoy a little reward in due course - cheers!
Good luck to all.
Not joining you as I'm happily chugging along with carb-cutting and don't choose to deprive myself too much.

KatyK If there was no alcohol available you couldn't have the 'prop' so you would have to manage. I never use alcohol as a 'prop' and I have had a pretty lousy year. I just try to be mindful, see beautiful things in everyday life and count my blessings.

I'm with annsixty that I am not ashamed to admit that I occasionally need a prop. The last few years have been pretty awful here (and my life in general hasn't been a walk in the park) and a glass or two of wine hasn't hurt me so far. People have said 'it doesn't help you know'. Well it helps me!

Gin is fine (although I didn't touch it for about 35 years after one bad experience ).
It's vodka that is .... oh even the thought makes me feel ill .....

I can't stand the taste of it. If that was the only alcoholic drink in the world, I'd certainly be teetotal!

We went for a walk when the rain finally stopped and walked past the pub. It did call to us as we have been stuck in so much because of the weather and were a bit bored. However we made it past the door and now have a glass of water each. I know what I'd prefer!

The only time I drank that queasy drink Greyduster my legs gave out ! I was about 16 and haven't touched a drop since.

Could we please not keep posting the word 'gin'! (Queesy emoticon!)

Although I haven't had a problem so far - only day 3 though, I never realised how often I think about alcohol !!