Shopaholic? Me?

If like me, you are forever buying stuff, then probably like me, your house is full to bursting. So what can you do? Well you can throw out what you don’t use, sell it using places like eBay or recycle it.

Personally I hate the first option, because if I bought it (unless I really used it to death), then someone else might like it or have a use for it. The second option requires time and perhaps maintence and a whole load of writing descriptions to every knitty gritty detail and I don’t have the time for it (though you do earn some extra cash to buy new stuff) and last is my favourite, you recycle it. Which is what brings me to freecycle.

Freecycle works like this… you have things you no longer like, want or even work and you list them. It appeals to someone and viola they come collect and wow your extra space.

Other benefits include :-

• Being able to try things before you decide to buy so you know what options you want,
• If you need something as a stop gap (I once borrowed* a bed for a couple of weeks while I had many many guests)
• Getting rid of all your extra never used stuff
• Getting spare parts – which is why even broken stuff is listed as 2 broken items could lead to 1 good as new!
• Most of all – Being GREEN and environment friendly.

Anyway, if you like the idea, just sign up and really start recycling. Just chose the area you live in or are prepared to drive to!

*Technically you are not allowed to borrow or lend, but you can work around the rules as I did with the bed. Obviously don’t lend something you don’t want damaged or will be very upset if it does not come back, but otherwise why not?

Recently I placed an order with Asda (not groceries as they do not deliver to IOM yet?). I must say Asda is amazing value. However, I feel they are still having a stab in the dark with online ordering.

I placed a £500+ order and they cancelled one of my items without even bothering to inform me. I went to email them for information but their site said as they are new to it, I need to call their helpline number. Something I haven’t yet managed as finding a quiet moment during working hours… ie kids are up hours… not easy AT ALL!!!!!

I will update you once I actually speak to them.

I was asked if I was going to do a Seattle job search as I want to return to being a psychologist. I must admit I did find it funny to be asked that because I wanted to go back into psychology. I guess Frasier is what comes to mind (hence Seattle). The money might be good but I could never live in a place known as “The Rainy City”. My ideal country would be bright and at a reasonable constant 25 degrees except at Christmas!! Then it must be a white Christmas. I guess I want it all.  LOL!

I have been thinking that it will soon be time for me to return back to work. I have been thinking about returning to psychology but I always have my fears. You have to deal with things like abuse, disorders and disturbed people. Having to treat people for alcohol and drug addiction is quite a feat. You see in psychology you need to treat the underlying issues but you cannot do this without also removing the addiction.

I personally believe that a rapid opiate detox along with counselling always works far better than counselling or detox on its own. Obviously it is hard on the person but going cold turkey is always the best. There would be times that a person would want to give up but with a rapid detox, at least it passes faster and the client is always in a better position to succeed. However, without a period of counselling, they are more likely to fall back into addiction.

This in turn is quite heavy on emotions both for the client and the counsellor. So I do wonder if I am ready to go back. The truth is money is decent, which means I can shop more… but can I deal with all the ills of the world? Maybe I need a job as a buyer. That would be a cool job.

Christmas is upon us and I can bet that you are busy shopping away. I thought of a quick and easy gift to send to all my relatives overseas. Cheap to post and very personal. I am talking about photos!

And to make it even better, besides being able to claim 50 free prints by clicking the link below, I have a code for all shopaholics to get a fiver off your photos! If you spend £20 or more on gifts and prints, you can get £5 off your order.

1. Click on the link
2. Order you photos
3. Enter the offer code SAVE5 at the checkout

Simple as 1, 2, 3! No need to call Owen for PC Support!!

Note – The offer excludes Kids collection and Photo Fashion and is valid until midnight 31st December 2008. Standard Photobox terms and conditions apply.

Do you want to stream video online? If so, you don’t need to look any further than Todocast.TV. It’s a website that lets you broadcast yourself and any other show you might like to over the web. All you need to do is sign up, set up your broadcast and off you go. You get use the service to set up both Pay Per View events or Sponsored Events.

If you want to learn more, they have a page with some video presentations on how to use their service. Check them out, they might be just what you’re after.

Wish I could just shop shop shop….but I have no where near the amount of money I could spend if given a chance. Now if I could win the lottery…. that would be a different story. You really could win silly money. Imagine having so much money that it would be hard to spend all the interest let alone the capital!! I think for a pound, I just might log on and buy myself a ticket… after all it is just a pound and if I win…. just imagine… I would really just shop till I dropped…. Blissssssssssssss!

I am a partier almost as much as I am a shopaholic. I love parties. Besides my philosophy of “shop till you drop“, I also really strongly believe in “any excuse for a party“. And I must say, I do like to go all out for my parties. People today still talk about my 18th and 21st, and that was years ago! I even made money in my teens throwing parties! And let’s just say my wedding was comparable to Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys – Jones. I only had about 100 people less! And I do not think I am boasting. Considering I am comparing it to a royal wedding… need I say more?

I always find that having good party ideas is a must. You need all the party planning tools that you can lay your hands on, and then you must go about event planning like a military operation. There are websites which like BPE which can really help you with planning and organizing your party. What I like about BPE is that you can get to organize your own do, your own way. As it is a social network, you can use them for brain storming and for getting ideas. But you can also use them to find suppliers in your own areas. They are still relatively new but definately up and coming. I think they are definately worth a try, especially if you are stuck for ideas as your parties seem to always be the same. I always find theming a party really helps start both the party and the planning of a party with a swing. I tend to get accessories from The Joke Shop as they have a wide selection of accesories from pirate stuff to swinging 60’s and from hawaiin to cowboys & indians. I also like how they help you keep on track with planning your party. They will help you:-

• Create your event
• Manage your guest list
• Track your expenses
• Stay on task

The only thing I need to say about planning the best part ever is plan it with military precision, even if it is “just a kiddies party“!

I have been looking for a place to buy cheap specs as my son keeps trying to wear mine and the idea of damaging designer specs just does not appeal to me. Zenni Optical $8 Rx Glasses is a pretty Great Discovery: Zenni Optical actually sell specs from $8! And the fact that they actually sell internationally to me means that they are Best Thing Found: Zenni Optical watch out, shopaholic is going to try your wares! I think I might get myself the following pair!

If you are getting married, you know what a lot of planning goes into it. I am not sure if it will help but if you Visit Wedding Bitz r Us Ltd, you might be able to get all your bits in one go. It will make so many things easier on you. They have a whole range of co-ordinated items and they are at a reasonable price.

Don’t forget to get a wedding cake top piece because a caterer does not automatically assume you want one, and if you are like me you will find that you have an empty cake. Thankfully our wedding favours were of a bride & groom teddy, and we placed one on top of the cake. Made the cake look co-ordinated and even saved the day!