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?

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!

After my mentioning my job, someone asked me what I did. When I said I was a psychologist, I was asked if I did Mesothelioma treatment. I don’t because I am not a doctor but a counsellor and that would need to be treated by a doctor. And in case you are wondering, no I cannot treat myself for my shopaholicism! And yes… I admit it on a daily basis that I am a shopaholic because if I didn’t my shopping might get out of control.

The point of purchase displays is to sell sell sell or is it to buy buy buy? I don’t know but what I do know is the amount of extra bits I seem to collect as I head to the till. They all catch my eye and I find it hard so hard to resist especially when they are adapted to my needs eg wrapping paper and tape at Christmas time or Chocolate eggs for Easter.

Talking of chocolate eggs, when picking mine… if not Lindt… make it Cadbury’s!

Wouldn’t it great if I could make a living from shopping. Ok  know there are shopping consultants but I don’t think I have enough shopping experience to be one. Yes, I can admit that. And besides you would need to have the contacts (ie people with enough cash to pay you to shop – and if you have enough cash, why not shop yourself?)

Nor do I think I could be like Trinny & Susannah. Besides having a touch of public speaking anxiety, I would hate to publicly make a fool of myself like they do. And personally I have seen them do some atrocious things (like their own dress sense). Imagine being constantly examined because you berated others on TV!

Today is the traditional day that sales start. So happy hunting!

Wish I were in London to hit the sales!

My favourite bit about a new year is the second day when sales start and you can really find a bargain. It is not unheard of that shops open at 4am or that people camp outside a store for the first day of the sales so they can grab that special bargain. However this means sale time can be very cut-throat. So my advice if you are hitting one of these stores is to take along a supply of medical equipment including sterile scissors, plaster and oxygen (you need your breath and with everyone in the store – it can prove impossible). If you can treat yourself in store, then you don’t need to head to A&E and can keep shopping till you pick up all your bargains.

Another tip is to take a wheeled luggage so you can stuff in all your shopping without having to carry all the weight!

Happy New Year. May this year be prosperous and full of sale bargains despite the VAT increase!!!

Although not traditionally the day for sales, but many sales start today… so good luck with your bargain hunting!

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Hope you enjoyed your christmas gifts. Not that I should be advocating anything but many shops will happily let you swap your Christmas ties, socks and soaps for things you might actually want!