Miss Penny's Money

Bloggered up

2007-01-18T14:16:00.000Z

Quick announcement

I'm going to migrate this content over to Vox, because I think it's the type of blog that needs some community around it and Blogger is too damn big (I miss people randomly drifting in and sharing their tips and triumphs).

So, when I stop being all distracted and web-dyspraxic you will be able to find bargainous blogging over at:
http://misspennysmoney.vox.com/

Bookmark it, cheapsters. And audience participation will be most welcome.

Feb sample sale

2007-01-18T14:06:00.000Z

Secret Sample Sale
Catwalk, studio and showroom samples and clearance stock, up to 80% discount. Brands include Oki Ni, Serfontaine, Robert Cary Williams, Berube, and Roland Mouret.
Accessories section: Jimmy Choo and Tod's shoes and boots, and Chloe and Prada bags.

Times: Mailing list members-only preview on Friday 2nd of Feb 11am-5pm, then open to the public from 5-7.30pm. Open 11am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Preview passes can be obtained by registering via the website at www.secretsamplesale.co.uk .
Fee: Admission £1.
Place: Well Gallery, Old Truman Brewery ,90 Brick Lane, London.

Roundup

2007-01-17T17:54:00.000Z

Brora (www.brora.co.uk) have a sale on, starting today, if you fancy some lovely posh knitwear.

I've had my contact lens fitting, but have been told they will only give me my prescription after 3 months have elapsed - this is ILLEGAL and I'm quite pissed off. However, I'm doing a free trial of some lovely shiny new contacts this week, and might try out another brand next week too, so maybe I'll keep my annoyance to myself and stand up loudly for my rights once I'm sure my corneas are OK. Then I'm going to go online and buy a year's supply of whatever I like the best. You can save about 50% annually if you shop around and buy online - well worth doing an hour or so of research.

And finally, all quiet on the home front. I really should start taking stuff down the chazzer shop and doing some recycling in preparation for the move. Can't seem to get motivated though. Still, the paperwork on the new place is all done, and the van is booked. Progress.

Eye eye

2007-01-16T16:28:00.000Z

I finally got around to arranging an eye test, and had some good news at the optician's. My prescription has stayed the same, so no forking out for new glasses! Woo!

If you're due for a test, don't put it off. Most work places will reimburse the cost of the eye exam (check with human resources) if you use a computer monitor as part of your job. Even if you can't get that, it's a good idea to look around for vouchers for a free or discounted eye test. Try an internet search, or scan the pages of local papers or magazines.

Should you have a first degree relative with glaucoma, I seem to remember that you used to be automatically entitled to a free eye test as well - check that out with your local optician. It may still be the case. If not, pay anyway - it's a big risk for blindness.

And tomorrow I have a contact lens fitting, so I will be getting back to you about some of the newer contact lens options, and ways to get them cheaper.

Hungry for a deal?

2007-01-16T12:05:00.000Z

It's traditionally a lean period for restaurants. Everyone's skint, on a diet, detoxing or out of town for most of January. In which case, it's easier to find a good deal, discounts, or even to book into ususally oversubscribed places.

The Telegraph are doing 'Eat out for a fiver' again. Collect the tokens, get a cheap meal. It must be said it's a bit of a misnomer - most of the meals are 'Eat out for a tenner' in reality. Still worth a look though.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/wine/main.jhtml;?view=CAMPAIGN&grid=A1NoGoogle&pg=/ETHtml/content/promotions/2007/01/11/eatout/index.jhtml

And also, it's worth checking out Yo! Sushi if you're near a branch. They are doing half price on anything off their conveyor belt between 15th and 31st January - you need one voucher per person.
Get vouchers either via Time Out or by going to the Yo! Sushi website.
http://www.timeout.com/features/yosushi/

Yum.

Lean and mean

2007-01-15T12:22:00.000Z

Lean - Been going out a fair bit, and decided to cut back slightly before I completely emptied my current account. This means I've been doing an extra evening and a weekend session at the gym to keep busy and out of the house, since I've already paid for the membership. Suffice to say, buffness is coming along nicely.

Mean - Today I've been getting online quotes for house contents insurance (mega savings to be had using the online supermarkets), and looking at options for phone and broadband. There are some good deals to be had, much better than I expected. Will be very careful about my choice of broadband provider and go for a slightly more expensive deal with a better reputation for customer service. A little online research has thrown up some very angry customers as regards some of the cheapest deals - I need reliable and unfussy.

One month on

2007-01-12T17:08:00.000Z

I still have days when it feels like I'm swimming through glue for hours on end. It's unpredictable - sometimes I wake up and feel OK, other times I can't get out of bed. I've been trying to keep busy because it seems to help, and I think physically getting a long way away from a certain person will be very therapeutic too.

It's too easy to give in and hide under the duvet, so I'm trying to do one positive thing for my health every day (call the optician, go to the gym, have lots of fruit and veg, whatever I can manage). On top of that, I'm forcing myself to do one practical thing every day too.

Today I got ahead of myself with the practical stuff, and got all the paperwork over to the estate agents so I can move in without any hassle and delay. Then I haggled my mobile phone contract right down to 6 and a half months of completely free use, followed by 5 and a half months at half price (just over a 75% saving). Not bad, considering I'm not at my haggle-tastic best.

Then I called around to find out who supplies gas, electricity and water to my new flat to get some idea of the average bills. And I then went through Energyhelpline to get the cheapest gas and elec - remembering to ask them for their £15 cashback deal on top cos they never offer that spontaneously - and got 11% off the bills plus another £30 cashback from the supplier. It takes up to 8 weeks to get it all switched over so I'm very glad I thought ahead and got a headstart.

This means that I'll have battered down my monthly bills to about the £150 mark, including council tax, landline, broadband, mobile, insurance, TV, water rates, gas and electricity. I also got a £150 holiday voucher from the new gas supplier - but freebies like that don't sway my judgement cos you never know what nasties are in the small print - the bloke at the helpline reminded me that I could sell it on eBay if I didn't want it myself, so I might just do that.

Even at minimum capacity, it's nice to know I still rock the purse strings, baby.

Now then, what shall I spend the £45 cashback on? I was thinking maybe a freeview box, but perhaps it should go on the usual Tanqueray and fripperies.

Externally imposed resolutions

2007-01-11T17:15:00.000Z

As obnoxious as the breakup has been, and as annoying as the move will undoubtedly be, I think it will lead to a much better quality of life once I've settled in. Being with the ex wore me down over time, and it will be so good not to have all that going on in the background at my new place. Better to live without constant false hope, and to not be on hold waiting for another person to break their empty routine of TV and ready meals, long silences and 'not tonights'.

I'll be able to get home from events more easily, nobody will be nagging me to get home before 10pm, and I'm going to be much closer to cafes, bars, restaurants and so on. Plus I'll be able to re-assess my career (I came into this job at the top of my scale, and there's nowhere left to go, so I can't stay here forever), and get freelancing again on new subjects. Signed up for various writing events and workshops from February onwards to kickstart the old brain cells, and might even do a few assorted evening classes for a laugh as well.

I hadn't realised how much things had been dragging me down and making me less enthusiastic. It's the perfect opportunity to change a lot of things for the better. It's a big, bright, interesting city - so long suburbia, you were killing me.

Completely off topic: Blogger seems to be falling apart and there's no sense of community on here 'cos it's too big. I'm thinking about jumping ship to Vox. Can I transfer this blog and its contents over there easily?

Bag some Biba

2007-01-11T13:45:00.000Z

Billion Dollar Babes (www.billiondollarbabes.co.uk) are doing a sale of iconic brand Biba's clothes this Saturday.

Even with the discounts, it's going to be pricey (£800 bag down to £400, and so on), and I definitely can't afford to buy even at 60% off. But if someone else out there has that kind of cash lying around the week before payday in January then perhaps they might like to go.

In which case, it's Saturday Jan 13th, at Chelsea Old Town Hall on King's Road, 9am-6pm. You need to RSVP via their website if you wish to attend.

And spotted in the Times: Emma Hope Shoes sale
Now on, up to 50% off. Available in her shops at 53 Sloane Square, 207 Westbourne Grove etc. Very gorgeous and unique shoes that should see you through quite a few seasons.

Financial revamp

2007-01-10T11:58:00.000Z

If I'm going to be bound by a rental contract for the next few months, I want my savings to be safe and getting as much interest as possible, rather than languishing in an old account and losing their buying power.

Time is of the essence - I need to do it while I'm at the current address (try getting any financial services approved after you've just moved house and you'll see what I mean). I've done my homework: best buy tables (with pinch of salt) in the newspapers, www.moneyfacts.co.uk, and a quick look at MSE.com as well.

It's a good time of year to do a financial revamp anyway, whatever your circumstances. After all, if you're not getting the top amount of interest paid to you on your hard-earned, chances are it's making profits for your bank or building society instead. Rather than 'oh it's only a few quid, I can't be bothered,' just imagine it's some overfed oik from the bank pulling fivers out of your pocket - might provide the motivation needed.

Anyway, here's the plan:

1. Put as much spare cash as possible into the top paying ISA - done
2. Transfer older ISAs into the best ISA that accepts transfers (the top paying ISA sadly doesn't accept transfers) - doing this today
3. Open top paying savings account for anything that won't fit into an ISA - done
4. Transfer all remaining cash into new savings account - waiting for account to be activated, but will do next week

I was thinking about opening one of those 'regular saver' accounts as well, but it will have to wait for a while until after I've moved.

The whole thing's a tiny bit of a hassle, but it's part and parcel of looking after yourself, I suppose.

Panic on Planet Penny

2007-01-09T13:32:00.000Z

Like I didn't have enough crap going on right now, HM Revenue and Customs sent me a Self Assessment payment reminder which I found last night.

Cue massive panic - they never sent me the bill in the first place. How much did I owe them? Could I even afford to pay the bill?

So I rang them up on my tea break this morning, only to find that they shouldn't have sent me the reminder anyway. Because they owe ME money.

Granted, it is only enough to buy a cocktail or a lipstick or a pair of frilly little pants. But hey, I can relax again.

Ahhhhrrrrgggghhh!

2007-01-08T14:27:00.000Z

My ex is driving me crazy, and it's going to be more than three weeks before I can move out (it's incredibly hard to find a nice place just before Christmas or right at the start of the new year and I wouldn't wish it on anyone - apart from maybe the ex, just so he has the faintest idea of what it's actually like). Best if I don't go into why on here, probably, in case it is used against me at a later date. Let's just say he's adding insult to injury on a fairly regular basis, and I've been through enough already.

The deposit for the new rental place is massive and it's going to take a big chunk out of what I'd been saving towards buying my own place. Sadly I can't move out to a cheap hotel etc in the meantime for similar reasons of cost, and I don't want to keep poncing spare rooms and sofas off my friends so I'll just have to tough it out. I'd like to go out every night between now and then, but there's just no way I can afford to keep doing that. February is going to be a very lean month and I'm dreading it.

The universe is testing me. And the universe can fuck right off.

It's official

2007-01-04T16:40:00.000Z

I'm declaring my 2007 to be The Year of Fabulousness (TM). Okay, so it might not feel like that now, especially when I seem to have a cold brewing, but life is very much what you make it.

Hopefully I will be moving to a different part of town and renting my own place for a few months. I'm going to have room for a designated writing desk, so the current book will get finished etc etc, and afterwards I'll pull out all the stops to get an agent, which I should have done years ago. There will be lots of freelancing as well, to offset the horrific and slightly terrifying expense of taking on all the rent and bills on my own.

The other major expense will probably be going out. I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting lots of new people, and perhaps doing some courses as well. Suburbia was as boring as fuck and it's time to go out and play again.

There's going to have to be some Extreme Budgeting, which will at least make for lots to blog about, so you, my dear readers, will benefit as well. Bills will be slashed, menus will be planned, and necessity will be the mother of some crazy invention, no doubt.

After that I'll pull out all the stops and buy my own shoe box/rabbit hutch and take it from there. The one thing I'm dead set on is that this is NOT going to stop me from getting my own place, not after all that hard work and sacrifice. No siree Bob.

January sales and a big thank you

2007-01-02T15:18:00.000Z

Just a quick note to say thanks to everyone for their wonderful support and kind thoughts over the last three weeks. I clearly have terrible taste in men, and superb taste in friends! Things at home are pretty gruesome but I think I have an escape plan forming (fingers crossed) and 2007 is looking promising so far.

And without further ado, here are a couple of big sales lists:

Glam stuff etc from Time Out
http://www.timeout.com/london/features/2382.html

Everyday stuff from MoneySavingExpert
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=329030

Mothballs

2006-12-12T11:02:00.000Z

I split up with my boyfriend this morning, so I'm technically homeless and as far as I can see, Christmas is cancelled. Bargains are not exactly grabbing my attention today, understandably.

I don't really feel like blogging right now, so I would like to wish you all a wonderful festive season and maybe I'll be back in the new year.

Grooo

2006-12-11T17:53:00.000Z

I just got back from the ATP Nightmare Before Christmas, and in the words of Dinosaur Jr (who played, among others), I'm so f*cked I can't believe it.

But like a wee bargain hunting trooper, I shall turn over two gems before I collapse onto the sweet sweet sofa of home.

1. Great entertainment article over at Motley Fool, all kinds of tips.
http://www.fool.co.uk/news/money-saving-tips/2006/12/07/seven-bargain-entertainment-tips.aspx?source=ioowftxt0010011

2. Matalan sale is on. About 20% off everything (apart from gift voucher) from Mon 11th to Weds 13th December.

Thank you very much, goodnight. You've been a wonderful audience.

Another sale...or 2

2006-12-07T15:42:00.000Z

Kaiz Agency are running a sale in association with Secret Sample Sale http://www.secretsamplesale.co.uk/. Catwalk samples and clearance stock at up to 80% discount from the retail price. Womenswear, menswear, Prada & Fendi Handbags to sparkling Jimmy Choo stilettos and Dior sandals.

On sale - designer treats from http://www.girlsnightin-uk.co.uk/ including: Chloe Paddington Bags RRP £895 - Sale Price £450, Fendi Spy Bag RRP £1400 - Sale Price £695, Balenciaga Lariat RRP £780 - Sale Price £350,Tod Boots RRP £745 - Sale Price £190 & discounted Gucci jewellery.

Preview Night - First chance to buy - Friday 8th 5 - 9pm
Public days - Saturday 9th, 11am - 8pm and Sunday 10th, 12 - 6pm
Entrance Fee £1
Sale will be held at: Kaiz Agency - Boutique & Studio 2.12 Kingly Court (Top Floor), off Carnaby St, London, W1B 5PW.

Coco Ribbon Goodbye Sale
Sloane Street swanky ladies' fashion.
Prices start from £10.
Thurs- Sat, 10am-6pm.
133 Sloane St, SW1X 9AX (020 7730 8555).

Knitwear bargains - today only

2006-12-06T09:23:00.000Z

John Smedley Sample Sale
Cotton, wool or cashmere knitwear for men and women.
The Rootstein Hopkins Space, London College of Fashion, 20 John Princes Street, W1.
10.30am-6.30pm Wednesday Dec 6.

His stuff is gorgeous, I am very tempted. But also very busy.

Perhaps if I get everything done by lunchtime I might head on over there....

[Tip off from: http://www.urbanjunkies.com/ln/06/1206-sales.html]

About that pig

2006-12-05T10:30:00.000Z

I'm going to take back my rude comments about pigsback.com. They are one of the few places doing decent Amazon.com cashbackand I have just found out that they're not charging a 'handling fee' of £1.50 any more when you claim your £10 high street vouchers (so what you get is now what you see/what they promise).

They also have lots of competitions, although the good ones (points every time you get questions right) are still tucked away and not advertised on the main page.

I wonder if my Arcadia voucher will arrive in time for the January sales? That would be cool.

Slight change of tack

2006-12-05T09:58:00.000Z

Normally this blog is about freebies and discounts, but I thought I'd add in a few competitions today. In December, lots of websites have 'advent calendars' - you are supposed to visit every day to win different prizes, and so on.

Normally I'm frantic, frazzled or hungover/sleep deprived throughout most of December, and I forget all about them. But if you're in the land of the living from time to time they can be a pleasant tea break diversion.

This year, I think the best prizes are to be had with TimeOut:
http://www.timeout.com/london/advent_calendar/
Today, win some DVDs, including special version of Napoleon Dynamite.

There are also a few things on GreasyPalm:
http://www.greasypalm.co.uk/advent_calendar.php

And it's worth checking out the newspaper websites as well.

Anybody else seen any of these?

25% off at Paperchase

2006-12-04T11:55:00.000Z

The amount of discounts being waved around this year is quite impressive. Has anyone used one yet? I suspect it also means that some of our high street shops have had profit warnings in the last quarter, but what the heck, a discount's a discount.

Get this Paperchase voucher by going to the TimeOut website and signing up for it. They send you the voucher by return email.

http://www.timeout.com/features/paperchase/

Valid at Tottenham Court Road flagship store until 8th December.

2006-12-04T10:59:00.000Z

I have just got back from a cheap weekend break to Hamburg and I am frickin' mangled. We flew in to Lubeck (miles away from Hamburg) with RyanAir, but the airport is the size of a matchbox and doesn't even have a duty free shop so that made it impossible to bring nice things home like booze and scent - so sorry no gluhwein or reisling or schnapps or or or....So, Hamburg good, Lubeck airport waste of space, learn from our mistake!
**************************
Sleep deprived ramblings aside, I have a few days off this week and will be treating myself and my nearest and dearest at a sample sale or two. Looky.

For Pog's Dad - Designer Warehouse Menswear Sale
Cavalli, True Religion, Prada etc.
45 Balfe Street, N1.
£2 entry
10am-8pm Friday Dec 8, 10am-6pm Sat Dec 9, 11am-5pm Sun Dec 10

For Gamba - People Tree Fashion Made Fair
From a selection of fair trade, ethical and eco brand. Up to 80% off.
Dray Walk Gallery at Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E16-9pm Thur Dec 7, 10am-6pm Friday Dec 8, 10am-7pm Sat Dec 9, 11am-6pm Sunday Dec 10

For Miss K - Style Sister Sale
Haven't been to this one or even heard of it before, but might be worth a look....
Invitation-only sale with discount of up to 80% on labels including Chloe, Prada, Gucci, and Marc Jacobs.
Registration required on website (www.stylesister.co.uk)
10am-4pm Saturday Dec 9.

For the hell of it - Maharishi Winter Sample Sale
Mens, womens and kidswear.
DPMHI Store, 2-3 Great Pulteney Street, W1
10am-7pm Thurs Dec 7 and Fri Dec 8, 10am-6pm Sat Dec 9, 11am-4pm Sun Dec 10

For moi? You shouldn't have - On the QT sample sale
Mens and womenswear from Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood etc. Up to 70% off.
Dray Walk Gallery at Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E1 - 0870 428 35007
10pm preview Wed Dec 6 (invite only), 12-7pm Thursday Dec 7-Sunday Dec 10

For Betty Bean - Orla Kiely sample sale
Colourful ready-to -wear women's wear line, accessories, travel and home.
Studio 95 at Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E1 - 020 7514 0056
£1 Charity donation.
11am-9pm Thurs Dec 7, 11am-8pm Friday Dec 8, 11am-7pm Sat Dec 9, 11am-5pm Sun Dec 10.

[Edited from tips on http://www.urbanjunkies.com/ln/06/1206-sales.html]

More discounts - move FAST

2006-12-01T16:03:00.000Z

Got to run, but here are some handsome discounts...

www.dorothyperkins.co.uk <http://www.dorothyperkins.co.uk/> - use code DPMN29 for free delivery and 15% off anything

http://www.oasis-stores.com <http://www.oasis-stores.com/> - use code GLAMOUR06 for 20% off anything

http://www.usc.co.uk <http://www.usc.co.uk/> - use code SDM20 for 20% off anything till Sunday

www.missselfridge.co.uk <http://www.missselfridge.co.uk/> - use code MSGL15 for 15% off anything

www.faith.co.uk <http://www.faith.co.uk/> - use code 150906 for 15% off till 2nd December

www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk <http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/> - use code URBAN1 to get £10 off if you spend £50

www.asos.co.uk <http://www.asos.co.uk/> - use code HSBC182116 to get 15% off

www.next.co.uk <http://www.next.co.uk/> - free p&p if you use code K8004

www.powderrooms.com <http://www.powderrooms.com/> - use code 4E5KT for 20% off

www.hannahzakari.com <http://www.hannahzakari.com/> - use code hzhb10 for 10% off

www.hqhair.com <http://www.hqhair.com/> - use code BEAUTYBIBLE for 10% off

Money off vouchers - a little gift from moi

2006-11-30T14:28:00.000Z

I'm going to be off line for a bit, so here are some lovely discount vouchers for you to print off and enjoy, my little chums.

Help yourselves!

Borders (20% off full price books) 29 Nov - Sun 3 Dec
http://www.littlefiredesign.co.uk/clients/borders/20voucher.html

Selfridges (20% off most things and 10% off cosmetics) Fri 1 - Sun 3 Dec
http://www.selfridges.com/index.cfm?page=1222

Threshers and other related wine merchants (40% off wine and champagne) 30 Nov - 10 Dec
http://www.stormhoek.com/webcoupon123.pdf

Toodle-oo.

Question: would you like more things like this on the blog? If there's enough interest I will try to make this a regular feature.

Glam time, ladies

2006-11-29T11:03:00.000Z

I didn't post this last night because I was being a bit selfish and wanted to snaffle some bargains for myself first. OK, OK, I feel bad about it and now I'm going to share the good news.

www.fragrancedirect.co.uk have some really good deals on at the moment (plus 2.5% cashback if you go via GreasyPalm). They are a well established company I have used several times, rather than some fly-by-night website that makes promises that are too good to be true, and their prices are pretty low - often on things you can't get discounted elsewhere.

I managed to get £7 off a 30ml bottle of Anglomania EDP by Vivienne Westwood for starters, which is pretty good going. I will smell luuuurvley at the Christmas parties now, hurrah.

But the best bargains seem to be in the cosmetics department. They have tons of Calvin Klein eyeshadows and lipsticks in a full range of flattering colours, for almost nothing. This brand is stylishly packaged and very well formulated, so it's a total bargain. A gift of two eyeshadows and a nice lipstick would set you back just under £5.50, but would be worth about £25 if you bought it in a department store. Gentlemen, if you are buying for a ladyfriend and are not 100% confident about colours, go for a neutral or light brown eyeshadow, plus a dark brown eyeshadow, and a pinky-beige lipstick. http://www.fragrancedirect.co.uk/Cosmetics/Calvin-Klein/

Also they have a few Hard Candy items. I bought a palette of colours for £6.50 in 'princess' (great birthday pressie for someone).

And they also came up trumps particularly well for Urban Decay. Including a range of lip glosses and balms (£2.50), and this season's collection case (RRP £20.00) for £7.50.
Erm, I might be keeping that one for myself...

And previous season's 'hot boxes' - mirror, concealer, mascara, eyeshadow and lipgloss all in a lighter-sized/shaped mini box for £5.99.
NB: the only drawback with the 'hot boxes' is that nearly all their descriptions are wrong (they've got wrong names and colours listed for each option) so make sure you do a quick internet search before deciding to buy any of them. Some are quite subtle, others are strong colours.

******

And now back to www.DirectCosmetics.com, who are slightly pricier (but only just) in most cases (but you can get 5% cashback via GreasyPalm). However, they are very good for posh moisturisers (esp Elizabeth Arden), and at the moment they also have a few lovely bits such as Estee Lauder lip glosses and Elizabeth Arden eye makeup that might be very welcome as stocking fillers.

******

And just in, if you get this week's Heat magazine there's a voucher in it for a free Pout lip gloss if you make any other purchase, plus 20% off everything else in the shop. Or go to their website and use the code 'luscious' for the same deal (although you will have to pay postage on top).

Fat fingers?

2006-11-28T14:01:00.000Z

You've probably already heard of www.fatfingers.co.uk - the website that helps you look for items with typing errors in their descriptions on eBay (it stands to reason that the typos aren't picked up in standard searches, so there will be fewer bids on the items). But if you haven't heard of it, that should be useful for any eBay addicts who read this blog.

Anyhoo, I found a similar listing error on www.directcosmetics.com as I was doing my annual shop there. They're selling Armani She 50ml EDP for £26.99 (RRP £32.00) under one of its translations (Armani Lei) and I found it by accident. [Granted, if you shop around you can get it a bit cheaper from some websites, especially if you are prepared to buy an unpackaged unused tester - but what I really mean is that it's a good idea to use the search box rather than the subject headings to find products a lot of the time]

Gorgeous sales

2006-11-27T10:37:00.000Z

It is probably the best time of the year to bag a designer fashion bargain, and if you can afford to go along to one of these then I'd thoroughly recommend doing so. Ghost is great for curvy girls, All Saints is good for a range of urban fashion if you have a more boyish figure. You can also pick up unusual bags and other accessories, often at less than high street prices, which make great gifts.

Secret Sample Sale
Jimmy Choos and Prada loafers as well as mens, womenswear and accessories from anything from Viktor & Rolf to Diesel.
20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, W11
12-3pm preview Fri Dec 1 (with invite), 3-7:30pm Friday Dec 1, 11am-6pm Sat Dec 2, 11am-6pm Sun Dec 3

Designer Warehouse Sale
Womenswear weekend with everything from Versace to Westwood and Diane von Furstenberg.
45 Balfe Street, N1.
£2 entry
10am-8pm Friday Dec 1, 10am-6pm Sat Dec 2, 11am-5pm Sun Dec 3

Lou Lou and Law Clothing Sale
Ann Louise Roswald and illustrator Natasha Law's line.
11-13 Corsham Street, N1 - 020 7250 1583
9am-6pm Monday Nov 27, 10am-7pm Tuesday Nov 28

Ghost Warehouse Sale
The annual sale of Tanya Sarne's creations.
45 Porchester Rd, W2 5HS
11am-7pm Friday December 1-Monday December 4

Menswear, Womenswear & Accessories Clearance Sale
Help clear out the rails at the former town hall.
Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Road, SW3 - 020 7675 9197
£5 entry (offset against any purchase)
2-7pm Thursday November 30

Brixton fRocks Deluxe Sample Sale
London Printworks Trust's annual deluxe sample sale. Featuring over 20 designers, including Jonathan Saunders, Kimchi and Eley Kishimoto, as interiors and accessories.
Unit 7 Brighton House, 9 Brighton Terrace, SW9 - 020 7738 7841
6-8pm Friday Dec 1, 10am-6pm Sat Dec 2, 10am-6pm Sunday Dec 3

All Saints sample sale
Classic streetwear samples and one-offs. Everything half price or less.
Dray Walk Gallery at Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E1 - 0870 428 3500
10am-7pm Friday Dec 1, 10am-7pm Sat Dec 2, 11am-6pm Sunday Dec 3

Designer Sale UK sale
Mens, womenswear and accessories from Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, etc.
Studio 95 at Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E1 - 020 7514 0056
£2 entry.
1-10pm Thursday Nov 30 (with invite), 11am-9pm Friday Dec 1, 11am-8pm Sat Dec 2, 11am-5pm Sun Dec 3

Weekend bargain awards

2006-11-27T10:28:00.000Z

And the winner is: TX Maxx.
Which was where I managed to buy a pair of black knee high leather boots by Bronx for £39.99. By the way, I know they're advertising their gifts heavily at the moment but the toys, gadgets and 'luxury foods' aren't all that hot. But I did see a few chocolate leather ladies' bags by Osprey down from £375 to £150 - perfect condition and big enough to hold a laptop (but I didn't have the £150, sadly).

And the evil loser (round of boos please) was: Hammersmith Apollo.
Where they were charging £5 per item in the cloakroom (so winter coat plus bag would have cost £10). I refused to pay this extortionate fee and hence would like to apologise to everyone I clonked on the ankle with my bagged up new boots from TK Maxx. If I've paid £30 for tickets and bought a round of overpriced drinks, I'm not going to say "oh well, a few more quid doesn't matter, rip me off some more, go on then."

Bloody glovely

2006-11-27T10:18:00.000Z

These 'ooh la la' leather gloves are great aren't they?

£12 from Asda. Bargain.

The only reason I haven't bought a pair? I now have three pairs of leather gloves (red, black, brown) and enough is enough. Don't let that stop you though.

More fashion sales

2006-11-24T11:33:00.000Z

I've just spotted a handy little list of sales:
http://www.urbanjunkies.com/ln/06/1124-sales.html

Might be worth a quick look.

News just in

2006-11-23T13:53:00.000Z

1. If you buy this month's edition of Glamour magazine, there's a voucher for 20% off in Oasis until the 9th of December.

2. I have an e-voucher for 30% off at Gap, valid 26th Nov - 3 Dec. Valid on everything they sell apart from gift vouchers, leather coats and bags, 100% cashmere products, and (RED) charity fundraising items. I could email you a copy if you know my addy, you don't need a storecard or any other membership, just print out and hand over the voucher on the day.

3. Voicemail from parent, along the lines of "We're off for a couple of weeks of winter sun. Talk to you about the money when we get back...." I feel uneasy, and hear the distant sound of strings being attached.

Winter glow or winter tango'd?

2006-11-23T12:54:00.000Z

So, I've been looking a little pale and pasty lately. But it is not pale and interesting, no - that's the preserve of lucky people with cool/winter skin tones - as I am what you might have to describe as an ultra-light shade of olive, thanks to being a mini-mongrel of irish, anglo saxon and roma descent. So yeah, washed out and sallow it is.

Anyhoo, people with pale but warm skin tones tend to look better with a bit of a tan, or when they substitute their blusher for bronzer. I don't tan my face at all though: a strong family history of skin cancer, plus the premature-ageing effects of UVA rays have had me reaching for high SPFs for years. I decided to use a freebie self-tanner I got last month, which is one of those 'gradual tans' for the face in 'fair skin' version, this one was by Nivea.

Gradual tan, my arse. One application was plenty (thankfully I didn't go orange or streaky), but it's as good as many of the face tanners that cost three times as much.

Which brings me on to a useful snippet of information - there are only a couple of active ingredients in fake tans. And they're the same in all fake tans, whether it's supermarket own brand or fancy San Tropez mousse. The only difference is in the packaging, and the formulation really.

Many of the posher tans develop more quickly, so that reduces the chances of it moving around or getting rubbed off by clothes - but you can see good formulations in the cheaper ones as well. The spray cans sound like they're going to be like a professional airbrush job, but I can't say I've been too impressed with the coverage and the mist tends to fall on your feet. The same rules apply to all of them - exfoliate and moisturise a few hours before applying self tan, use less on dry areas such as ankles/knees/feet, apply with a mitt (the Body shop does a much cheaper version of the San Tropez applicator mitt), and give your palms and cuticles a good soapy scrub as soon as you can afterwards.

Anyway, it's a real lottery. Some people swear by Tesco own brand, others by Banana Boat brand (sadly not easy to find in the UK), and others use a single application of the 'dark skin' version of Johnson's Holiday Skin. Many of the gradual tanners are on sale in the supermarkets as 2-for-1 offers, so if you find one you like, do a bulk buy. I seem to be allergic to quite a few fake tans, including the Nivea body one and Boots own brand, and also to some of the more expensive versions which are often highly perfumed to cover the nasty smell.

Speaking of which, you're either a 'stinker' or you aren't, nothing you can do about it. As the chemicals develop, some people's skin reacts. I smell like digestive biscuits, which is better than sweaty feet, but not as good as some people who claim they smell of caramel and fudge. Hey ho.

Other cost-cutting tips: don't go too far away from your natural skin tone, and only tan the bits that show (face AND neck to avoid tide lines, legs).

Happy hour on CDs/DVDs?

2006-11-22T11:35:00.000Z

I've just spotted an ad on Pigsback.com, saying that CD Wow are offering an extra £1 off all their CDs, games and DVDs today, but only between noon and 2pm.

There's no small print that I can see, so it might be for anyone, or it might be for Pigsback members only. Either way, worth a look if you're planning on buying for yourself or as a gift.

http://www.pigsback.com/offers/556896389/default.asp

For the man who has everything

2006-11-21T16:53:00.000Z

I have no idea what to get my Dad for Xmas. I'm pretty sure my Mum has paid for most/all my gifts over the years as well as picking them out - but I think I should get him something anyway.

I was thinking maybe:
Geek product?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/ByteStor-Speed-Dataferry-Flash-Drive/dp/B000A0D8JU/sr=8-1/qid=1164127871/ref=pd_ka_1/202-3354069-7988641?ie=UTF8&s=electronics
Business stuff?
http://www.paramountzone.com/simbackup.htm
Boozy subscription?
http://www.magazinesubscriptionsipc.com/ipc/subs/subsorder.asp?title=XDC&promcode=IDCLH&ctryid=

Books and software have been kind of overdone. Anything but socks really. I'm finding it very hard to be inspired, especially since he hasn't been overly nice to me this year.

Does anyone in blogland have a good idea? (please don't say buy nothing!)

Finally...

2006-11-21T16:47:00.000Z

...someone has managed to take legal action against her for doing dodgy nutrition-related things. I, for one, am delighted.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21112006/344/mckeith-sex-aids-taken-shelves.html

A happy day for honesty and common sense, and nul points for the faddists and snake oil merchants.

Hip gadgets etc under a tenner

2006-11-17T14:14:00.000Z

Here is where I sneak off to to buy cool Japanese toys and gadgets. There's a link to the bottom left of the home page showing all their gifts under a tenner (about 200 or so of them).
http://anytoys.co.uk/index.php

Last year I bought Cubees, and was tempted by Unazukin as well. This year, look out for the big packs of Pontiki, hours of fun for kids (or stoned adults monging out in front of the telly). http://anytoys.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/561

You can also find some good priced gadgets on play.com, but you have to sift through lots of tat to get to the good stuff. For example, under £10 they have waterproof spa lights and manicure kits for pampering, and 'racing grannies' toys for a laugh.
http://www.play.com/Gadgets/Gadgets/4-/742184/Manicure_Set/Product.html
http://www.play.com/Gadgets/Gadgets/4-/922898/Spa_Lights/Product.html
http://www.play.com/Gadgets/Gadgets/STTS1/3-/1120248/Racing_Grannies/Product.html

And while I'm at it, ASOS.com usually have some good ideas as well:
Like make-up greeting cards http://www.asos.com/Pupa-Greeting-Card-Make-Up-Palette/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=132288
Mini pedicure sets http://www.asos.com/Carolyn-K-Pedicure-Travel-Set/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=109669&cid=2715
Men's travel set (worth it just for the eye mask) http://www.asos.com/Urban-Flight-Bag-For-Him/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=112265&cid=2715
Full size toiletries gift set (surprisingly tasteful for £6) http://www.asos.com/Naturals-Complete-Collection-Gift-Set/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=129652&cid=1958
Unisex bathtime bag http://www.asos.com/Big-Brother-7/Bathtime-Collections-Massage-Accessory-Bag/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=117899&cid=1958

That's a start, anyway.

Xmas gifts

2006-11-17T11:05:00.000Z

Tight budget? Xmas is looming and quite a few people I know are breaking out into cold sweats thinking about the shopping.

I think there are quite a few ways round it, so no need to panic. For starters, now's the time to manage expectations - tell people not to go over the top when buying things for you, and set a price limit if you can. That way you won't be expected to go crazy in return.

At large gatherings, do a 'secret santa' (I hate that name, but it's a bloody good idea - maybe we should rename it with something cooler). One person organises the whole thing by putting names in a hat, and picking out one name for each party-goer to buy a small gift for, with a price cap of £5 or £10. As you know who you're buying for, you can tailor the gift accordingly.

The cutest stocking filler (and certainly stocking-related thing) I've seen so far this season is this doorstop on the left. A princely (kinky princessly?) £7.95 from Firebox.com, if you're tempted.

For closer friends it's OK to go for a small, thoughtful gift. Use your imagination - work out how they see the best version of themselves: sophisticated? glamorous? creative? bold? intellectual? political animal? super-healthy? sporty? party animal? ahead of the pack? Don't go for an everyday, practical item unless you've been specifically asked for it - buying the average woman a frying pan will make her feel like a domestic drudge rather than a domestic goddess, etc etc.

A few ideas: a Chanel lipstick or nail polish (if in doubt, go for a neutral shade), an eye shadow from Nars, Stila or Pout, a tin or two of biscuits or tea from Harvey Nichols or Fortnum & Mason (well under a tenner and they can keep the swish tin afterwards), a notebook or jotter, the latest mini Japanese collectable, a pocket wine guide for 2007 and a foil cutter, a shower gel or body scrub from a brand such as Korres/Elemis/I Coloniali, a decent bath sponge or bath brush, a pumice stone and nice wooden nailbrush, a small pair of sterling silver earrings, an eye mask (for sleeping in or a cooling one), a half bottle of port, a few useful items from Muji (stationery or unisex grooming kit), a small dish to keep keys or cufflinks in, a plain cocktail shaker, three bars of good quality chocolate, a windowsill herb kit, a set of magnets or pins for their notice board or fridge.

Wrap them up nicely with decent paper and some ribbon, and hey presto.

If you're single, it can be a huge drain buying individual presents for your friends and relatives and all their partners and maybe their numerous offspring. I regularly used to find myself doing this, and in the end it got a bit upsetting as the outlay was so massive and I felt I was almost being 'fined' for not having a family of my own. Don't bankrupt yourself - get them small-but-thoughtful individual things or just buy a communal household gift such as a board game, some booze, or a mini-hamper/box of food or sweets or even of bath goodies from Lush.

Have you seen any other cheap and chic pressies lately?

Celeb style for 20% less

2006-11-16T15:37:00.000Z

ASOS (formerly As Seen On Screen) have a short-term offer available until the end of this week. It's 20% off a variety of labels, including Miss Sixty, Firetrap, Bench, and their own 'Luxe' label.

Full list of details below, just click through to find the specific offers.
http://www.asos.com/Women/Hot-Designer-Labels/Cat/pgehtml.aspx?cid=1340&affId=998

They sell out fast, so don't dilly dally if you're looking for a party outfit.

Debenhams comes up trumps

2006-11-15T16:40:00.000Z

I went in on my lunch break and the sale is actually better than advertised.

At least 10% off all cosmetics (a rare chance to get cheap Chanel and Armani in the UK, if you're a fan), including half price deals from L'Occitane
At least 25% off lingerie - some own brand bras for £5 and Wonderbras for £10 (at least 50% off) Most sizes left in bras and briefs, larger sizes only for most nighties and pyjamas
25% off sportswear (small sizes almost completely sold out though, and hardly any swimwear unless you are size 20 or size 22)
25% of womenswear and menswear (many small sizes sold out, but worth a look anyway)
At least 25% off accessories (Totes leather gloves from £10, and other items over 50% off)
Homewares at least 25% off, and 60% off some items (even top brands)

It was a sodding rugby scrum though. Take your sharpest pair of elbows if you're heading out there.

The original dates I got were incorrect - it is only on TODAY and TOMORROW (not Friday). Opening hours have been extended, stores are open from 8am to midnight both Weds and Thurs. And you can also shop online.

Toodle-oo.

BAD BAD Bank

2006-11-15T16:34:00.000Z

First Direct are going to charge customers £10 per month just to have a current account, unless they either:

A) Pay in at least £1500 per month
or
B) Keep a minimum balance of £1500 (and they pay less than 1% interest on that so effectively it will get eroded by inflation)

I'm not impressed, and I don't believe that they're doing it to discourage people hanging on to dormant accounts.

More here:
http://money.guardian.co.uk/saving/currentaccounts/story/0,,1948143,00.html

Outdoor types - QUICK

2006-11-14T17:58:00.000Z

I have a pair of free tickets for http://www.caravanandoutdoorshow.co.uk/ in London on 16-19th November.

- but they are only on offer to me (and therefore you) if I can offload them very quickly, starting now - the clock is ticking.

So if you want to do stuff like rock climbing, join various clubs or look at boats, tents or camping accessories then be FAST. Leave a message in the comments box below or email me.

Penny x

Pigsback?

2006-11-14T14:04:00.000Z

Is it my imagination, or is it getting harder to earn decent points on Pigsback.com? I used to get at least 80 points or so per week, and now it's gone down to 20 or 30.

There seem to be lots of competitions, but they're not updating the ones where you get points just for answering correctly that often. There don't seem to be many click-throughs for points around lately either.

Their cashback isn't that competitive compared with proper cashback sites like RPoints either, which the odd exception of Amazon and HQHair deals. Some of their cashback deals seem to involve signing up with slightly dodgy financial institutions as well.

What is going on? I may only visit them briefly on Monday afternoons from now on. It was fun while it lasted though.

More sales - top notch

2006-11-14T11:12:00.000Z

British Designer Sale
Clothing for men and women by Jenny Packham, Alexander McQueen, etc, prices from £20
24-25 Nov, Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm
Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Rd., SW3 5EE (020 7627 2777)
£5 entry fee (redeemable against purchase)

DesignerSalesUK
Moschino, Frost French and others at up to 90 per cent off
30 Nov-3 Dec, Thurs 1-10pm, Fri 11 am-9pm, Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11 am-5pm
Studio 95, Old Truman Brewery, Brick Ln., E1 6QL (07813 986999)
£2 entry at door, fee for using major credit cards (approx £2)

Designer Warehouse Sale
Up to 80 per cent off Diane von Furstenburg, Hussein Chalayan, Dolce & Gabbana etc.
1-3 Dec, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm
45 Balfe St, N1 9EF (020 7837 3322)

And don't forget, Secret Sample Sale also on 1-3 Dec (see previous blog entry).

Divine justice

2006-11-13T12:14:00.000Z

I'm not given to huge bouts of bitchiness, but I make an exception for people from the House of Doom (TM). The other night I saw an incredibly nasty ex-flatmate in something on the telly and had a little laugh to myself.

She was the sort of 'actress' that gives actors in general a bad name. She was bankrolled generously by daddy and sat lazing around the house all day painting her toenails and putting on face packs, not calling her agent or going to castings. I know other people who act and they aren't like that at all - they take on crappy day jobs to get by, they get out and look for work, they do voluntary stuff, they do shows for free or do paid shows they're not that keen on, they write, they teach, and so on.

She trashed the house, made spiteful and bitchy remarks, and woke us all repeatedly in the wee small hours because she didn't have any sympathy for the rest of us 'boring' people who had to get up for work in the morning. She also had a thing for other people's boyfriends and husbands, doing the dirty repeatedly on her nice (proper actor) bloke, really humiliating and upsetting him, and then bragging about how she'd charmed some man or other away from his girlfriend or his wife and two small kids or whatever to anyone who'd listen. In short, a selfish princessy little horror.

After a year of this shitting on her own doorstep and general laziness she was amazed that she hadn't made it big in London theatre, and went back off to her home town in a huff.

So anyway, I was flipping around the freeview channels and saw her doing a bit part in a rubbish local TV series, looking quite washed up and ropey. The most interesting thing of all though, is that she actually can't act. After all that bluster and preening, I was a bit surprised to find that there was an underlying lack of talent.

Is it mean of me to find it so funny?

Saver Sunday

2006-11-13T11:07:00.000Z

I got to go shopping with almost no money yesterday, which was great.

First up, I had a £5 Boots voucher to spend on No7 or Ruby and Millie products, so I treated myself to some new nail polish. I got something from their new range which was discounted, so it ended up costing £1.25.

The Debenhams voucher didn't work - it needs to be accompanied by a Debenhams store card, which of course I didn't have, not being a great fan of these bloodsucking products. Oh well, I'm going to go on Weds lunchtime instead, for the same deal when it's open to all. I need sportswear, so it might as well have 25% off.

Finally spent those TopShop vouchers on a blue cotton jumper and a sort of Chloe-style tank top which should keep me toasty for the winter. Early Sunday afternoon must be a good time to go - not too busy, and lots of stock on the rails.

Now I have to get back onto Pigsback and earn another TopShop voucher...

Oh happy day!

2006-11-10T17:03:00.000Z

I've just managed to wangle the whole of December off, bar two days, one of which is the staff Xmas lunch - hence no work in the afternoon.

The thought of it's making me giddy already.

On the list of things to do:
Write half a book (20,000 words or so)
Lots of fitness stuff
All Tomorrow's Parties
A trip to Hamburg for the Xmas markets

Je suis une lucky bastard.

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Event-tastic

2006-11-10T11:00:00.000Z

Do you like jazz, baby? London Jazz Festival starts today, so you could go listen to some hep sounds for free or almost free, daddio.
http://www.londonfreelist.com/listings.asp?cat=mus,Music

And if you're feeling inventive, the V&A has a free late event on Nov 24th dedicated to the creative dynamo that was Leonardo da Vinci. Expect talks, music, a bar, cut price entry into exhibitions, and an interesting crowd.
http://www.vam.ac.uk/activ_events/events/friday_late/events/nov_2006/index.html

Levitating bacon

2006-11-09T11:50:00.000Z

It's been five weeks since the old dear said she'd get that money to me 'in a week', and a fortnight since I tackled her about it, only to be told 'it would take about a fortnight'.

And of course there is no sign of it.

I've done a little research, and it actually takes three to four working days to sort the cash out, so someone has been telling porkies.

So, what next in the Cirque de Disfunction? Your guess is as good as mine.

Up to 25% off - Debenhams next week

2006-11-08T13:46:00.000Z

A Debenhams 'spectacular' is taking place in all stores across the UK on Wed 15th - Friday 17th November. Offers will also be available online from Weds lunchtime. A few departments and concessions are not taking part, but over all it's a good offer.

I bet most of their homewares are included, and you might be able to pick up some early Xmas gifts.

EDIT TO ADD: They are also having an in-store 'preview sale' starting this Sunday and running until Tuesday. The catch is that you need a card or token to get the discount. I seem to have been given one of these tokens and I'll find out if I can get them for other people as well.

It's 25% off womenswear, menswear, childrenswear and homewares (includes 'designers at Debenhams' ranges). There is also 10% off ALL cosmetics with the token.

Bunch of bankers

2006-11-07T12:03:00.000Z

Six weeks on, I'm still locked out of my savings account. I called up at the weekend to find out what had gone wrong this time, and basically the letter I thought they were going to rush to me didn't even get put in the post until 4 days after I spoke to the manager.

Best of all, they sent it second class so if I'm really lucky I might just get it sorted out by the end of week seven. So nice to feel like a valued customer.

I'll be jumping ship at the earliest opportunity. British banks suck at customer service.

Edit: The letter arrived last night. After all that fuss about sending it to my work, they actually sent it to my home address by mistake. They are now without a doubt completely incompetent bumbling fools who are not to be trusted. Oh well.

New sale for early December

2006-11-07T11:57:00.000Z

Secret Sample Sale is moving to the 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill.

Catwalk, studio and showroom samples and clearance stock from London's fashion designers agents and retailers all at up to 80% discount. Brands include: Oki Ni, Serfontaine, Robert Cary Williams, Berube, Sara Berman, plus jewellery and accessories.

£1 entry fee.
Preview: Fri 1st Dec 12-3pm. Open to the public 3-7.30pm on Fri, and 11am-6pm on Sat and Sun.

Preview passes available from www.secretsamplesale.co.uk.

Wish list

2006-11-06T12:32:00.000Z

I have chosen to make myself completely skint this month, nobody else to blame and no whinging allowed. Just to torture myself/plan ahead for payday, I've been making wish lists.

Wish lists are cool, even if you can't afford most of the things on them at the time. Right now, the cold weather has dictated most of my list for me:

Lip balm
Warm hat
Jumpers
Cardigan/jacket
Warm skirts
Winter boots
Gloves
Makeup
Skincare from Paula's Choice EU
Books
Tickets for nights out

I can be patient for most of that. But I'm not very good at being cold - at least I have £20 of TopShop vouchers so I can put that towards a new jumper. Maybe I can put a couple of smaller items on my credit card and pay them off on payday...

What's on your wish list right now?

And now the good news

2006-11-03T17:47:00.000Z

I have so much extra leave and flexi-time left over right now that I'm going to be able to take most of December off work. My line manager has OK'd it in principle and I'm booking it formally on Monday.

Hurrah. Parr-taaaay!

Save me, from the banks of the freaks

2006-11-03T17:21:00.000Z

One of my online savings accounts is locked down at the moment, and it has been for about six weeks now. I can't access a big chunk of my deposit, which could prove very annoying if I see a nice flat in the next couple of weeks.

The well-known bank has been telling me all sorts of different stories about what's going on. Their current story is that on a particular date there were three wrong attempts to log in, and so it automatically got locked down - if true it's very worrying because on that particular date I was nowhere near a computer.

They also claim they posted me new passwords on three separate occasions, none of which arrived. After getting very shirty with them at the weekend, a manager finally phoned me back and said they would send a fourth new password to me at work by recorded delivery. This never arrived either.

Frankly, I despair. I suspect that the majority of this is, erm, flim-flam from the bank, to put it politely. Maybe somebody did try to hack in a few weeks ago, but maybe it was just an error at the bank. And I think possibly they keep promising to send passwords but they never actually got around to sending them.

When I do finally get access to my hard-earned, I will be transfering it to an existing account with another, less useless, institution.

Free cocktails this afternoon

2006-11-02T12:31:00.000Z

Can you get to Dover Street in Mayfair for 5pm? Apparently there is an invitation-only event where a new bar is dishing out free cocktails.

I'm not sure if I can attend (work nightmares), but with a bit of wrangling I'm sure I could get a few people onto the guest list.

Leave a post for me below, or email me and I'll let you know what's happening as soon as the organisers get back to me. C'mon, it's free booze!

Penny x

Uh oh, webmong strikes again

2006-11-02T10:22:00.000Z

I was tinkering around with this blog a few weeks ago, trying to give it some go-faster stripes and a new spoiler, and what do you know? I messed up the comments function and didn't even notice for almost two months. Oops.

I think I've got most of them back though.

Thank you to everyone for their kind thoughts and interesting comments in the last few weeks, they are very much appreciated. And I'm gutted I didn't hear about the Wills-Moody jumble sale in time because the last one was properly rock and roll.

Right then, wonky business as usual.

Temptation for your credit card - SALES!

2006-11-02T10:15:00.000Z

So many sample sales etc I don't know where to start...

Paul Smith Sample Sale
Menswear, womenswear, and shoes
3-5 November, Fri-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm
Dray Walk Gallery, Truman Brewery, Brick Lane

Temperley London Sale
Up to 80% off past season’s stock
1-4 Nov, Wed 2-7pm, Thurs 11am-7pm, Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 11am-5pm
20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, W11 2QA (020 7229 7957)

Pringle of Scotland Sale
Discounted clothing and accessories, from £50
7-10 Nov, Tues 11am-6pm, Wed 10am-6pm, Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-3pm
Pringle of Scotland, The Courtyard, 255a Pavilion Rd, SW1X 0BP (020 7259 1660)

Orla Kiely Sale
Past season clothing and accessories at discounted prices
16-19 Nov, Thurs-Fri 11am-7.30pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 10am-2pm
Studio Voltaire, 1a Nelson’s Row, SW4 7JR (020 7819 0159)

British Designers Sale
Clothing for men and women, including Jenny Packham, Alexander McQueen, from £20
24-25 Nov, Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm
Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Rd, SW3 5EE (020 7627 2777)

Ann Louise Roswald/Lou Lou and Law Sale
Up to 80% off previous season fashion and accessories
27-28 Nov, Mon 9am-6pm, Tues 10am-7pm
11-13 Corsham St, N1 6DP (020 7250 1583)

Supermarket cheep

2006-10-31T10:54:00.000Z

After FixtureFerrets started charging for their information, I was a bit fed up. Fortunately there is now a new supermarket comparison service, by way of www.MySupermarket.com to try out.

It is a good looking website, and it allows you to compare the price of your shopping basket between Sainsbury, Tesco, Asda and Waitrose. If you are the kind of person who does a big weekly shop, this could be a real help, particularly if you have a choice between nearby supermarkets.

The price per unit/per 100g/ per 100ml is clearly marked for similar items, allowing easy comparison, unlike many shelf labels in the actual supermarkets. There is also a 'save more money' function at the end of the process where it suggests how you can buy similar items for less.

However, it does have some drawbacks. Unlike Fixture Ferrets, it only compares 4 supermarkets. Most importantly for me, it doesn't flag up the ranges of offers separately - it shows you the whole department or shelf. This is a definite drawback if you are a bulk buyer, and hopefully the site will add this functionality at a later date because trawling through page after page looking for those bargains is annoying. Similarly, if you were thinking about buying maybe, say, haddock, it won't tell you that the king prawns are on offer etc.

Overall though, it's an attractive, simple site that does seem to cover all the hundreds of products in these stores. If you are looking for one specific item, or want to make a straightforward saving on your weekly shop without deviating much from your original shopping list, then it's well worth a look. If you're specifically looking for alcoholic drinks, I'd stick with www.QuaffersOffers.co.uk for the time being.

Brighton Designer Sale

2006-10-31T10:51:00.000Z

Designer Sale UK are having a Brighton sale day, including menswear, womenswear and accessories. The London sales are always well worth a visit.

Preview day - Sunday 12th Nov, 1pm-7pm, Public day - Monday 13th Nov 1pm-5pm.

The sale will be held at: The Rendezvous Casino, Brighton Marina, Brighton, East Sussex

Expecting stock from the following designers: duffer of st george, frost french, griffin, moschino, elvis jesus & co. couture, vivienne westwood, c&c california, yulan, oliver spencer, miki fukai, y3, see by chloe, zakee shariff, yohji yamamoto, Gharani Strok, kulture, Tyler Whittle, Sheryl May, sophia swire, religion, cerruti, alexander mcqueen, Clements Ribeiro, Genia Gorna, dolce & gabbana, two agent see, john richmond, Map London, I By Lynn Mackie, iggi, armani, jean-paul gaultier denim, tsubi, wale adeyemi, Yamama, Louis de Gama, Joe Casely-Hayford, tristen webber, comme de garcons, nigel hall, Yes, No, Maybe, Oki-ni, Kein Yuki and many more.

Admission £2.00 (Concessions £1), major credit cards subject to £2 surcharge
Tel: +44(0)1273 470880, Mob: 07813 986999

Make someone smile

2006-10-31T10:38:00.000Z

Does someone have a birthday or anniversary coming up soon, or do they need a bit of cheering up? If so, you might like to know about the offer of the week from ValueFlora.com: 20 scented narcissi for £6.98 including delivery.

More here: http://www.valueflora.com/cgi-bin/store/cp-app.pl?usr=&rnd=&rrc=N&affl=&cip=&act=&aff=&pg=prod&ref=OCT001

Just quote 'LBV5' in the box on the online order form to get the discount. I think you can go through GreasyPalm and other cashback websites as well, to get even more discount.

I've used this company before, and they are pretty good. They grow the flowers themselves, so they cut out the middleman, keeping costs down.

I know it's still October...

2006-10-30T11:54:00.000Z

... but I've been thinking ahead about Christmas. Sorry...

Regular readers will know that I have some rogue relatives who I have to buy something for each Xmas, but who tend to ask for expensive things and buy tat/nothing in return. Last year I got round the problem by saying 'no, can't get that - already bought you something', buying things in the sales, using shopping vouchers etc, and got some really cool stuff. I even got thanked by one person, who finally remembered their manners for the first time in, oh, more than five years.

This time, rather than buying individual gifts, each household will get something to share. That could be a board game, a food hamper, books, or maybe I'll adopt an endangered animal for them. Easy peasy. I especially like the idea of adopting the critter, thereby giving the cash to charity instead of to the stingy gits themselves.

If all this sounds a bit 'bah humbug', it isn't. It's my way of being reasonably nice without being a mug. Many rational people have suggested buying nothing for these people at all given their past behaviour, but knowing how spiteful the recipients can be, I think that plan would seriously backfire. This way I get a fairly quiet life, and don't end up severely overdrawn in January.

Yay for pay day

2006-10-26T13:19:00.000Z

Got paid yesterday, and a few of us were feeling the pinch this month - I've never seen so many happy faces chattering about getting their wages in. And they've earned it...

Decided it would be best to go back to the harsh budget of last year and squirreled away a thousand pounds. After that, and paying my outstanding bills, there's £120 left to see me through the next 30 days. But I'm not whinging, cos I've got lots of nice prepaid things to look forward to like the London Film Festival, a trip to Hamburg, and a two-day music festival.

So it's back to the packed lunches and the free events.

It's a carton of eggs, not a coop of chickens

2006-10-26T10:49:00.000Z

So, back to this fantasy-land offer of money from my dear old Ma.

After over three weeks of silence (having been promised the cash within a week originally) I got sick of waiting and phoned up to see what was going on. I tried to be tactful and polite as possible.

The upshot: she hasn't made any attempt to withdraw the money at all, and now claims that it will take at least a fortnight to sort things out. She also asked a bunch of questions about my personal finances (I didn't answer them), and said she thought I didn't really need the money.

I think she's got cold feet.

Best to assume it's not going to arrive, and go back to Plan A. If it turns up, it's an unexpected bonus and the first round of martinis are on me.

Designer Sale in Brick Lane

2006-10-24T11:41:00.000Z

DSUK's latest sale is on betweenThursday 26th October to Sunday 29th October.

Menswear, womenswear, bags, hats, jewellery etc, all at bargain prices. Thursday is invitation only, but feel free to print off the invite from the link below.

http://www.designersales.info/dsuk_invites/invite.php

Anybody likely to attend? I will probably go along to this one seeing as it's after payday.

Edit: I got the dates wrong, they're now corrected above.

Grump grump grump

2006-10-23T15:36:00.000Z

I'm seriously grumpy today, for a number of reasons.

Firstly, items of post have been going missing. In particular, two sets of replacement PIN numbers for my savings account have gone AWOL, and I suspect the reason they needed replacing was because someone tried to hack into it in the first place. I'm waiting for third time lucky, and have now insisted that they send it to my local post office and only hand it over to someone (me) with a valid passport and two other forms of ID. My boyfriend has also had an envelope opened and one of four expensive tickets stolen - then the remaining 3 were dumped outside his door, minus envelope. I am starting to suspect the next door neighbours or one of their visitors, the only people we share the communal hallway with.

Secondly, this theft has put my boyfriend in a very grumpy mood. Especially since it's impossible to report and replace losses like this at the weekend.

Thirdly, it is all work and no play at the moment, spending my spare time doing decorating.

Fourthly, my cold has turned into sinus trouble and I feel sick as a piglet. Decorating fumes not helping.

Fifth and final, no sign of that rather surprising offer of money coming through. I'll give it a couple more days, then I'll ring up and find out what the problem is - 3 weeks is long enough to wait when you've been told it will only take seven days. Not knowing is seriously messing with my head, and I need to know where I stand now. If she's changed her mind then I'm going to have to be very assertive, which will undoubtedly cause family uproar, but sometimes you just have to point these things out and put things straight.

Quick, make something up

2006-10-23T13:55:00.000Z

Last night I realised that we hadn't bought any food for that evening's dinner and the shops were shut, so I rummaged around the fridge, saw a sad aubergine that needed using up and made a bastardised version of this:

http://www.uktvfood.co.uk/index.cfm?uktv=recipes.recipe&iID=527290

We didn't have the right cheese, so I ended up using blobs of Boursin instead of mozzarella, and I couldn't be bothered with the breadcrumbs on top, but it tasted mighty fine anyway. Just right for a dark rainy evening.

Essential items, honest guv

2006-10-23T13:22:00.000Z

I succumbed and bought a pair of those Marks and Spencer very-like-Prada shoes yesterday. Flat sole, black leather, look like very smart trainers. In fact, there are two or three styles in their collection that bear more than a passing nod to Prada.

They fit really well, should get loads of use, and they only cost £25. Go MSpada, wear 'em with your new PrimarcJacobs outfit.

Let them eat cake

2006-10-20T13:22:00.000Z

I went to the yummy-but-pricey cake shop up the road during my lunch hour, to get something for Friday afternoon's tea break.

I asked the lovely cheery french man in the shop for a couple of large brownies. He said "a couple - does that mean two?" Nodded yes, paid for two, and took the bagged-up bounty back to the office.

In the kitchenette I discovered four huge chunks of cake inside the bags, so I did the decent thing and shared them out.

Cheery shop bloke either cannot count, takes a lot of drugs, or fancies me.

Plus ca small change

2006-10-19T14:22:00.000Z

It's been just over a fortnight since that sum of money was offered to me, and twelve days since I decided to accept it.

No sign of the dosh though.

It seems bad manners to chase it up. Part of me thinks there might have been a change of mind, and if so, I wonder how and when it will be made known.

I'm trying to step back and see it as some kind of science experiment, rather than something I'm emotionally involved with. Unfortunately, a very optimistic bit of my brain has already spent a chunk of the money on Nice Things I Can't Really Afford At The Moment.

Accessories all areas

2006-10-19T10:08:00.000Z

Johnny Loves Rosie Sample Sale
Up to 75% off jewellery and accessories from past collections.
Thurs (today) 8am-8pm, at 32-38 Osborn St(3rd floor), E1 6TD (020 7247 1496).

Step up to the mic

2006-10-17T10:04:00.000Z

Today, I will be being Miss Penny rent-a-quote on the beeb. I do the odd (unpaid) radio guest spot from time to time, but today is specifically about blagging.

I am very excited. Wish me luck!

The best bit is that I get to pretend to be an 'expert'. Ha ha haha.

Edit to add: Went rather well - mainly because there was a very skilled presenter feeding me the right lines. They also gave one of my books a couple of massive plugs, so I might sell one more copy if I'm lucky.

One, two, check. Is this thing on?

2006-10-16T10:02:00.000Z

I was reminded at the weekend of the importance of checking your phone bill. Not exactly fun or glam, but a quick regular glance can potentially save you over £100 per year. That's £100 you could be spending on something much nicer.

My boyfriend found he was being charged twice for the same calls and texts, so he called his mobile service provider and complained. The refund was swift, but they forgot to correct the charging error, which continued. So check the bill, and check again after the refund to make sure it isn't ongoing.

I'm also supposed to get a monthly discount with my mobile, but it was only applied sporadically to my bill. I'm getting that refunded next month, but like my boyfriend, it's the second time I've complained and been refunded with a billing fault continuing afterwards. Different operator too.

I particularly hate the way many of these companies charge you £1 or more per month for an itemised bill, seeing as it's no real bother for them at all and it's all automated anyway, but sadly these mistakes seem to be so common that it's a necessary evil. A quick check through it also helps you to look at your usage patterns, and that helps you pick the best tariff.

And of course it also helps you to spot if someone else has been using your phone. Much like a friend of mine who couldn't work out why her bills were so high, then got an itemised bill and discovered that her teenage cousin had been 'borrowing' it at family get-togethers while her back was turned.

My mobile contract is up for renewal next month, so stay tuned for some serious haggling.

Biting the bullet

2006-10-13T13:34:00.001Z

I accepted my Mum's offer of money, which took a lot of doing, and I still have some misgivings.

She said she would transfer it in a few days. Then she added that she felt guilty because she'd had the money for years, and hadn't helped me out even though she knew how hard it was to buy in London. And that my Dad had been in a position to fulfil his promise to me on occasions in the last few years as well, but had chosen not to.

How much do I wish she had kept that little snippet of information to herself? I decided not to pass comment, in case it was being done for manipulative reasons.

Sometimes it just wears me out, this being judged and found lacking, being punished for I'm not sure exactly what. They're mad, it's not my fault, and I can't change them.

Thank heavens you can choose your friends.

October seasonal foods

2006-10-12T14:58:00.000Z

Fruit: apples (fresh English), blackberries, crab apples, currants, damsons, elderberries, figs, grapes, medlars, pears, plums, quinces

Veg: autumn cabbage, aubergines, baby turnips, beetroot, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, celery, chinese greens, courgettes, cucumbers, endive, fennel, french and runner beans, jerusalem artichokes, kale, kohlrabi, lamb's lettuce, leeks, lettuce, marrow, parsnips, peppers, potatoes, pumpkin, radishes, red cabbage, shallots, spinach, spring onions, squash, sweetcorn, swiss chard, tomatoes, watercress (British), wild mushrooms

Meat, game, fish: Autumn lamb, grouse, guinea fowl, hare, mallard, partridge, pheasant, brill, cod, Dover sole, mussels, oysters, squid, turbot

Cheeses: Caerphilly, Vacherin, Gruyere

Misc: fresh walnuts, hazelnuts, Kentish cobnuts, sweet chestnuts

I'm in the mood for a Gruyere, endive and toasted hazelnut salad. Or maybe a plate of spicy chargrilled squid. Mmmmm.

Quick! Moschino goodies!

2006-10-12T14:26:00.000Z

Moschino Sample Sale
Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-6pm.
28-29 Conduit St, W1S 2YB (020 7318 0500).

Big decision

2006-10-09T11:01:00.000Z

I'm going to take that £5K. My friends have sensibly persuaded me to take the money and run.

However, I'm not going to use it during my flat purchase - I want every penny of that to be from my own hard graft.

I'm going to put some in a fund for emergencies, and the rest is going to go on furniture, white goods or renovations. I won't tell her that until it's safely in my bank acount though, nor will I let on that I have already saved a decent downpayment (although I will let that slip at some point, possibly with a little giggle).

And I'm also going to keep a bit back for a weekend away and some shoes and makeup. Frankly, I have earned a nice big treat, after putting up with all that crap for years on end. Go me.

Interest-ing

2006-10-09T10:52:00.000Z

So, things are going well with my savings. I've had a couple of interest payments and a freelance fee through, and the balance is now enough to stop me stressing.

Total saved: £19,939

Time to go hassle some more estate agents.

Thinking it through

2006-10-06T14:58:00.000Z

My first instinct was to turn this money down flat, but my boyfriend thinks I should consider taking it. So perhaps I should look at the pros and cons.

Possible good things about taking the money

It would come in handy for reducing the size of the mortgage, furnishing the property, or to have on one side for emergencies.
Or I could blow some or all of it on something fun I've always wanted.
I could consider it as fair - both parents have always given to my sister in preference over me, probably a lot more than it cost to put me through college on the minimum recommended amount, and mainly for superficial or unnecessary things.
It's perfectly normal for parents to want to help their offspring buy property and perhaps I should accept this as her turning over a new leaf and trying to be normal.
It could be considered as compensation for some of the horrible things they've put me through.
I'm tough enough to cope with the potential negative repercussions of taking this cash.

Possible bad things about taking the money

It seems to be yet another example of Mum bailing Dad out after he has been a total shit. I don't want to be part of that. I have mentioned this to my Mum.
It should be my Dad paying, not my Mum - he has a moral obligation after making all those promises and flaking out without a genuine excuse every time. Also mentioned this.
Compared to my Dad, she can't afford it. Mentioned this too.
I suspect that this is the last bit of her cashed-in pension. In which case me taking it would put her in a bad position, and make me feel greedy and guilty. Mentioned this as well.
I would never hear the last of it, and I already get enough comments about how I'm such a loser for not owning my own place. I am sick of being put down in general by my relatives for made-up failings, and I don't want to give them some genuine ammunition for once.
My Mum always expects something in return for a favour, and she probably intends to use it to guilt-trip me into something. She has already mentioned that I 'owe her' some kind of obligation for putting me through uni (nobody else I know has experienced that from their parents) - I'm not ungrateful, but I think that's the kind of thing you hand down the generations to your own kids, rather than pay back to the giver (unless it was a loan agreed in advance, which it wasn't).
I don't need it - I made plans, I stuck to them, I hit my targets.
I am proud of getting to this point without needing help - and I don't want someone else to take the credit for it. I feel funny about writing this point down, perhaps this particular sentiment is slightly rebellious and childish. But right or wrong, it is how I feel.
This kind of money ten or fifteen years ago would have helped me get on the ladder, but now house prices are so massive that it's a relatively small proportion of the total expense. It's a 3% deposit.
If she's doing it because she feels guilty then she's wrong if she thinks she can buy me off, and no amount of money will make me feel better.
Past behaviour is the best pedictor of future behaviour - which suggests it will not end happily ever after.
I might feel like I'd sold my soul to the devil.
Although I'm tough enough to handle negative repercussions, I just don't need the fucking stress in the first place. And there will almost certainly be stress.

More pros than cons then, but let's not be hasty.

I'm going to have a long chat this afternoon with an old, old friend of mine. Someone who comes from the same kind of background, who knows where I'm coming from. The perspective will be good.

Total headfuck

2006-10-06T10:17:00.000Z

Haven't spoken to my parents for a while, and then out of the blue my Mum rang up last night. She offered me £5,000 because she thinks I "really ought to buy myself some property."

I'm not sure what to do really. I haven't told her about my savings, or the fact that I'm about to buy somewhere anyway thanks to my own hard work.

The whole thing is completely out of character, and has freaked me out quite a lot, given my family history.

Quick recap:

My Dad - spoilt rich kid, big inheritance, good wage, decent pension, retired but working as well-paid consultant. Charming to his friends, total pig to his wife and kids. Deserted the family twice, each time leaving my Mum with no income, and a stack of his debts to pay off. Likes fast cars and designer clothes, holidays, member of expensive golf club. I also suspect he gambles heavily. Has been promising to help me buy my own place since I was 17 - and let me down on several occasions. Also promised to pay for my books and equipment while I was at university, let me spend the money (i.e. get into debt), then wouldn't cough up.

My Mum - no inheritance, low wages, tiny work pension, retired. Paid for all family holidays (including for my Dad), and put me through college. Bailed out my Dad every time he ran up debts, including recently when he bought a top of the range Jaguar he couldn't afford - she cashed in her work pension. Sounds like a saint, but she's incredibly bitter and twisted and took it out relentlessly on her kids (I'm talking at-risk register here).

Me - have never asked either parent for money since I left college, never needed bailing out while I was studying. Have not been given anything by parents since I left college, never used to get gifts while I was living at home.

My sister - never really worked for a living. Unemployed for a long time, refused to sign on, Dad gave her money instead and also bought her two cars. Regular cash gifts, holidays, and shopping trips from parents - although married to rich older man, and not in need of financial help.

So, as you can imagine, this isn't about cash. It's about relationships, behaviour and personal standards.

Normally I cope quite well with their irrational and abusive bullshit, but now somebody is finally being nice to me and I can't fucking cope. The fact that one of them is suddenly doing something 'normal' (if a few years too late) is so ABNORMAL that I don't know what to think.

I can't even begin to describe how depressed and angry I feel. Worst of all, I am deeply suspicious of what has led up to this offer, and what might lie ahead if I accept it.

Meet the Froogles

2006-10-05T10:38:00.000Z

I've been reading about all these people who have taken a pledge to avoid buying non-essential items for a year.

They are mainly doing it for green reasons, and probably also to stick two fingers up to corporate America. Everything has to be home made, recycled, shared, borrowed, bartered etc. Exceptions include medicines, underwear (phew!), everyday shoes, basic toiletries, energy-saving lightbulbs, and so on. Experiences and education can be paid for too.

Interesting article in today's Independent.
http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article1800829.ece

If you feel that you need to buy things to cheer yourself up, or to compete with others, perhaps a couple of weeks of deliberately living like this would be a real eye opener.

I grew up in a household that was very similar, but it was done to avoid the house being reposessed rather than for the environment. I imagine that under both circumstances, the lessons you learn are fairly similar: especially that it's important to understand the difference between things you want and things you actually need.

However, I will still be buying myself treats from time to time as I think that some part of this movement may have evolved from a doctrine of religious self-denial that doesn't chime with my personal values.

Cost vs the real cost

2006-10-04T10:34:00.000Z

I probably ought to do a pre-emptive parental visit some time soon - if I don't make the effort every now and again, they sulk. Well, anything for a quiet life.

Right now I'm toying with the idea of suggesting a Matalan visit because my Mum lives near to one and she has a card. And her favourite hobby is shopping, so she would probably enjoy it. Plus, I need some warmer clothes for winter, and a few things for the house, and I'm on a strict budget now.

But it has the potential to go so, so wrong. Erk.

I need to think this one through. Kettle on.

October sample sales

2006-10-03T11:11:00.000Z

Tempting, so tempting. Especially the Nicole Farhi one.

Designer Sales UK
Alexander McQueen, Moschino, C&C California, Vivienne Westwood and more, up to 90 per cent off.
26-29 Oct, Thurs 1-10.30pm, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Studio 95, 95 Brick Lane, E1 6QL.

Ted Baker Sample Sale
Clothing and accessories for men, women and kids at 75 per cent off.
4-5 Oct, Weds 8am-8pm, Thurs 8am-7pm. Camden Centre, Bidborough St, WC1H 1JE.

Nicole Farhi Sale (DWS)
Up to 80 per cent off past season’s stock for men and women.
6-8 Oct, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm. 45 Balfe St, N1.

Winter wardrobe

2006-10-02T10:56:00.000Z

Over the weekend, TK Maxx stores around the UK took in a large delivery of winter clothing. They now have large amounts of coats and knitwear to sift through.

Go to it, bargain fiends.

Domestic details

2006-09-28T11:22:00.000Z

I've moved in with my boyfriend for a few months, and we're slowly sorting out our domestic arrangements.

I've persuaded him to try making a quick weekly menu, followed by shopping list and single shopping expedition. Before that, we were in the habit of calling each other up and deciding on the night what to get - which resulted in a lot of takeouts and ready meals being bought, things being wasted, milk running out and not enough healthy eating going on. And far too long being spent in supermarket hell on a daily basis.

This way we have snacky stuff for nights when either one of us is out late, and we can plan for two or three really cheap meals per week like pasta, baked spuds and so on. Plus the fruit bowl is seeing some active service for the first time. Cheap and healthy do go together quite often.

I'm also toying with the idea of a once-a-month supermarket home delivery (most of them deliver free if you spend over £70), and/or an organic box scheme. But one step at a time. Don't want to completely freak him out.

It's official

2006-09-27T15:51:00.000Z

The Brits are crap at shopping.

http://money.uk.msn.com/MyMoney/Insight/Special_Features/Pennywise/article.aspx?cp-documentid=991942

We have the lowest 'shopping intelligence' in Europe, which goes a long way to explain our big old credit bills. In other words, we have trouble with our self control, stick with the same old brands, don't research the cheaper options, don't budget or plan ahead and don't save enough.

And yet we all seem to think we are amazing bargain hunters. Ahem.

At this point, I should probably toddle off and hide under a rock for a few days.

The joy of payday

2006-09-26T10:58:00.000Z

Just got my wages through, and have paid off the rest of my holiday money, so no debts now.

And also new home, new budget. I need to save a lot harder than I have been saving over the summer, but I can't face saving £1000 every month like I was doing last year, it was just too horrible, and I reckon £800 is extreme enough. It's still going to hurt, of course. I'm also now in a position where I can switch to much cheaper insurance, and a cheaper mobile phone tariff, so that might help a little.

Here's how the flat funds are doing:
10% deposit saved up (£15,500)
Stamp duty, surveys and fees saved up (£2,650)
£1,290 saved for furniture, decorating etc
Small emergency fund

Any extra savings are going to be split between the deposit and the emergency fund, which should help out a lot in the long run.

Touchdown

2006-09-25T10:24:00.000Z

I have moved, and pretty much unpacked now. Good stuff.

If you ever need van hire for a single trip, I can heartily recommend http://www.yellowtaxivan.com/index.php. They do help you get things into the van, despite what the website says - you just have to do your bit and help them as much as possible. The van was big enough for my mattress and some other furniture, and a few boxes of stuff, and the driver was on time, incredibly pleasant, helpful and professional.

The cost all-in was £50, but I gave him an extra tenner, which I think was only fair. Compared with hiring a van yourself it works out much cheaper, especially when you take into account the petrol and not-always-returned deposit. Plus there's less paperwork, stress and general lugging about of things.

Still have a few 'I have moved' letters and forms left to fill in, but my postal redirect should round up any stragglers. A few pounds pays for several months of redirection, and is well worth it.

The only minus this weekend was when I wanted to check up on my savings account (the one that has most of my house deposit in it). I tried to access it online, to find it had been 'locked' for a while - I rang up and they told me that the security code had been entered wrongly too many times, which automatically locks it. Nice to see that the security measures are at least working, but I do wonder what has happened there: did I mess it up myself, or has somebody been trying to rip me off?

Apparently you should check your savings accounts at least once a month. Maybe I will do that from now on. It was a bit of a scare.

On the bright side

2006-09-22T12:42:00.000Z

It's raining cats and elephants, I'm still sneezing, and my Friday night is going to be spent packing so that I can move house the next day. I hope it doesn't rain on the removal van tomorrow, don't fancy lugging soggy furniture around.

Really though, things aren't too bad. I've already moved half of my stuff and tidied it all away, so settling in will probably be fine. It's not a fun way to spend a weekend, but no big deal.

I don't feel entitled to moan at all - I know a reliable and cheap removals firm are coming to help me, I'm not emotionally attached to anything that might get broken, by 6pm the move will be over, and hopefully by Sunday lunchtime it will all be unpacked. Plus I have a bottle of apricot brandy waiting for me at the other end.

Not very rock and roll, not fun at all until the booze is cracked open, but probably very productive.

Next week: battle stations. A new budget, and renewed efforts to find a flat to buy.

At long last

2006-09-21T13:55:00.000Z

My invoice has been paid on a very long overdue freelance job.

It will pay for the removal van, and the rest is going to be put to one side for my furniture fund.

What a relief.

Get with the programme

2006-09-21T10:19:00.000Z

Some recent research has suggested that things are getting worse for 20-35 year olds. While the research might be rather propaganda led/biased, some of its findings are essentially correct. We are overstretched and under pressure on the financial front, compared to what our parents experienced when they were our age.

We have student loans and tuition fees to pay off, graduate salaries are lower than you might think and not growing in line with other jobs, we've missed out on juicy final salary pension schemes, and we're going to have to foot the bill for the older generation's state pensions and medical bills (although there's no guarantee that we'll get much in return when we're older). Oh, and housing is unaffordable unless you earn much more than average/buy with others/get help from parents.

http://www.reform.co.uk/website/home.aspx

Even allowing for some exaggeration, it is a grim picture. Some of it is due to changing population demographics, some of it is due to changes in the economy, and some of it is due to political decisions. But there are other factors at play here, including our own overspending and attitudes.

Yes, there are undoubtedly some external pressures that we are largely unable to control. But we all make choices every day at the personal level, and a slight shift in attitude and behaviour could make all the difference to us as individuals. The odds are stacked against us in many ways, but with a bit of knowledge, creativity and effort, we can turn things around.

You have to unhook yourself from branding and advertising and competing with your peers. You have to plan ahead. You have to live within your means. You have to read the small print and ask awkward questions. You have to shop around and improvise, and understand that you pay for convenience. You have to make choices and stick to them, and you have to control your impulses a lot of the time.

Some of that is hard work, and most of us don't want to hear about it or be reminded of it. But if the other alternative is being crushed by your debts, getting exploited forever by dodgy landlords and lenders, and working hard all your life to find you've paid out a lot in taxes and got nothing much in return, maybe it's time for a sea change.

We need to wise up and look after ourselves better. Nobody else going to do it for us, and there's no point sitting around whinging (even if it is, like, totally unfair, waaaahhhhhh).

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a 'get on your bike and look for work' thatcherite. I rather like the idea of a welfare state, and a national health service, and education for all. And I don't have the world's strongest protestant work ethic. But still, I think the onus is going to be on our generation as individuals to make the effort to get and keep their finances in order.

Mid-viral fatigue

2006-09-20T12:37:00.000Z

So, still got an absolute stinker of a cold. Bit of a pain because I'm trying to arrange the house move this week from house-sit to temporary place, and there's a lot of paperwork to do - a clear head would have helped.

Yeah, it's been making me tired and grumpy. But I have made a big effort to count my blessings to counteract the blues, and I reckon I'm doing OK really. In the great scheme of things I have nothing to complain about - a frantic house move is a pain but it isn't going to kill me, and everything else is ticking along nicely. The rest of my life looks good on paper, even if I forget that sometimes.

I'll get back to the homebuying thing later this afternoon on me tea break. Everything's going to be fine. Hello bottom rung and all that. My main goal right now is to find somewhere to buy before Christmas, and try not to sneeze too much.

Oh, I have a nosebleed now. Better go.

Home, kind of

2006-09-18T10:59:00.000Z

Well then, I'm back from Prague, where I had a very fabulous and romantic holiday with the boyfriend. We stayed in a converted palace, walked everywhere and drank gallons of cheap beer.

I have come back to a tricky situation though - moving house at very short notice. Nothing bad has happened, just somebody forgot to give me a sensible moving date, so it's all being done in a cramped up hurry.

I'll be staying somewhere temporarily while I'm looking for a flat to buy. It's a cool place, and I'm sure it will be fine - I just didn't need the stress of moving this week. Especially as I woke up with a stinking cold this morning. It has also coincided with having a rush on at work.

Apologies in advance to those who know me in person, as I might be a little bit flaky and bad tempered for the next few days. Feel free to feed me cake and strong spirits if you do see me though - those two constants have never let me down yet.

The book was coming along nicely, but will have to be put on hold for a bit. A swift move and a lot of effort on my part to settle in quickly should help. Bargains will be resumed shortly.

Blog fatigue

2006-09-07T10:14:00.000Z

I think it's time for a holiday.

Seasonal food in September

2006-09-06T12:03:00.000Z

If you hadn't already guessed, I love buying, cooking and scoffing seasonal food.

It's fresher and bursting with flavour, has more vitamins in it, and it often arrives in a glut - great for getting good quality at a great price as the shopkeepers and wholesalers rush to sell it all off. It also tends to be from the UK, so the food isn't clocking up 'food miles', wasting petrol and other shipping costs, and being 'un-green'.

All the top restaurants serve a lot of seasonal food. In fact, a menu lacking seasonal foods can lose a restaurant its coveted Michelin star. If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me.

Here's what's good for SEPTEMBER:

Fruit: blackberries and most other berries, melons, grapes, nectarines, figs, plums, greengages, damsons, elderberries, sloes, fresh English apples and pears (not from cold storage).

Veg: sweetcorn, wild mushrooms, parsnips, spinach, new onions, pumpkins, carrots, cabbage and kale. Home grown tomatoes, cucumber and salad leaves including rocket. New season cauliflower, beetroot and carrots.

Meat, fish, poultry: skate, plaice, turbot, dover sole, sea bass, brown trout, mussels, oysters, clams, prawns, duck/mallard, grouse (also wood pigeon, partridge etc), michaelmas goose (grass fed), venison, autumn lamb.

Misc: the first cobnuts from Kent.

Quality cheeses: Farmhouse Cheshire, Double Gloucester, Carre de L'Est, Brie de Meaux and Boulette d'Avesnes.

So, what are you going to be cooking or snacking on this month? I fancy a bit of skate, or some spaghetti with clams.

Free lunchtime concerts

2006-09-06T10:26:00.000Z

If you work anywhere near Covent Garden then you might like to try something a bit different. It might make an 'almost date' if you're trying to impress an attractive co-worker...

Free events at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

FREE Monday lunchtime chamber music recitals
11, 18, 25 Sep, and 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Oct
1pm in the Crush Room and Linbury Studio Theatre
A range of chamber music presenting members of The Orchestra of The ROH, Jette Parker Young Artists Programme, and the Royal Opera Chorus.

FREE jazz
3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Oct at noon.

Tickets available for these events on the day of the performance. For more info see www.roh.org.uk.

Perfume deal that isn't available online

2006-09-05T13:20:00.000Z

A good tip if you need a nice present for a female relative - the Oxford Street branch of The Perfume Shop is selling lovely boxed Nicole Farhi gift sets (EDT perfume plus shower gel) for £12.99 at the moment. It's a very pleasant and sophisticated scent, and it costs over twice that for just the perfume in the department stores up the street. These discounts are not available on the website.

EDIT TO ADD: Just worked out that that discount was available on the website but had sold out. That probably means that stock in shops is running low.

September Sample Sales - don't miss

2006-09-04T14:01:00.000Z

Time for an Autumn/Winter 2006 fashion frenzy!

London Fashion Weekend
http://www.whatsonwhen.com/events/~69253.jml
The Evening Standard London Fashion Weekend runs for five days after the trade-only Fashion Week shows finish, offering a rare chance to buy designerwear at trade prices.

Over 100 labels: Temperley, Sara Berman, Lulu Guinness, Juicy Couture, Jas MB, Ghost, Johnny loves Rosie, Sanimi, Belle & Bunty and Boyd all at reduced prices.

27 Sep - 1 Oct. Weds Opening Charity Night 6pm-9pm, Thu 12noon-5pm & 6pm-9pm, Fri & Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm.
Tickets: Wed Opening Charity Night £15; Thu-Sun £10. 0870 890 0097 advance bookings.
At the Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, London, Greater London, London Region SW7 5BD.

Designer Warehouse Sale
Betty Jackson, Nicole Farhi, Vivienne Westwood, and Clements Ribero from 60% off.
15-17 Sept, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm.
45 Balfe St, N1 9EF (020 7837 3322).

Vintage Fashion Accessories & Textiles Fair
Rare vintage Biba, Vivienne Westwood, Zandra Rhodes, YSL, Chanel and more.
Sunday 10 Sept, 9.30am-4.30pm.
Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (020 8325 5789).
Not sure if there is an entry fee or not for this one.

Frock Me!
Vintage Pucci, Lanvin and Chanel clothing and jewellery from £30.
Sat 2 Sept, 10am-5.30pm.
Chelsea Town Hall, King’s Rd, SW3 5EE (020 7254 4054).

Plus, quick reminder, Designer Sale UK (including retro and vintage styles) is also on from 14 to 16 September, Brick Lane.
http://www.designersales.co.uk/#home

A little bird told me...

2006-09-04T09:38:00.000Z

TK Maxx in Croydon (and maybe other branches too) are getting two big deliveries this week.

1. On Tuesday there will be men's suits, jackets and coats.
2. On Thursday there will be a consignment of cut price lighting, which I expect will be at least 60% off, if not more.

Go to it, bargain hunters.

So the rumours are true

2006-09-01T14:36:00.000Z

The WAGS really are dropping off their designer goodies in the charity shops in Wilmslow.

Great article about charity shopping on the Telegraph website.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/main.jhtml?xml=/fashion/2006/08/25/efbag25.xml

What are they on?

2006-09-01T14:10:00.000Z

This article was in Yahoo News today. My god, who were they interviewing? I wonder what the sample size was - surely women aren't all such golddiggers, and surely the vast majority of people don't have £24K of ready cash floating around?

****************************
Men need to earn about ?50,000 a year before most women consider them to be wealthy and successful. One in ten women have higher expectations, looking for a salary of more than £100,000, according to National Savings and Investments (NS&I). In contrast, men think women on about £42,000 a year tick the wealthy and successful boxes.

However, in reality, men take home an average of £1,490.80 a month compared to women's £1,078.80.

Some 45% of women say they rate a healthy bank balance as their top priority when looking for a partner compared with 22% of men. They also expect men to have a large stash of ready money to fall back on - £24,000 on average. Men expect their partner to squirreled away about £15,000.

Despite the cost of summer holidays and rising inflation, people still managed to save an average of £87.85 a month between June and August. The 54% of people who put money aside on a regular basis are saving an average of £174.50 a month.

Dax Harkins, senior savings strategist at NS&I, said: "The good news is that savings levels continue to rise although not the percentage of regular savers.
"We would like to see more people putting money away on a regular basis."

***********************************

Would almost half of UK women date someone simply because they were rich? Honestly? I'd pick a decent personality over money any day of the week, and I'm sure that's a common view.

I suppose it is interesting to see that people who aready save are now saving larger amounts. Does that show a lack of confidence in the economy? These things are supposedly being linked to the housing market stagnating.