thriftychick

Well, kittens, this year Thriftychick has resolved not to make any of the usual resolutions, but instead to try for some that I might actually be able to keep. Hence, instead of resolving to go to the gym more often, I am cancelling my gym membership - then at least I will just be unfit, as opposed to unfit, broke and delusional. Instead of resolving to give up sweets, I am going to switch to more expensive sweets, in the hope that even I will baulk at buying more than one bar of chocolate a week if I am paying three quid for the privelege. I am also intending to go out less (stop laughing at the back there) but to make more of an effort when I do go out to try more interesting places and dress up more often - that's as in nice dresses, not as in costume, of course. I have also ditched my morning coffee at Pret, as I worked out that if I save the money I usually spend I can afford new shoes every month...

So, I am sure with the sales in full force you need no hints from me as to bargains (though I have been impressed by the reduced goodies in Space NK, though from the queues and the catfights you'd think they were giving away George Clooney's phone number rather than selling cheap smellies). The magazine haul this month is paltry, but I am sure you are all enjoying all of your lovely Christmas presents too mich to care.

Till next time...

Well, kittens, Thriftychick has no exciting news today, just wants to wish everyone a merry Christmas and all the best for 2006. I'll try to me more exciting then, honest...

Ah, kittens, Thriftychick has been neglectful of late! She would like her excuse to be lots of glamorous parties and fabulous events, but alas it is mainly laziness and a hectic work schedule. Even the Flatmate has managed to update his blog more regularly, and he's been ill. Though, tragically, even under the weather he has managed more parties that me. Ah, roll on 2006...

No real freebies news either, kitties - December always pants month on the freebie front, except on Dec 25, of course. Some Dove tolietries with New Woman and a lot of tacky and horrible stickers from various drinks manufacturers (you'd think after all the love I give them, they'd be a bit more generous...) Thriftychick did go to a free preview screening of Memoirs of a Geisha courtesy of Film Factory the other week, and tried not to be too annoyed that this Japanese story now stars three of China's most famous actresses. Hello, America, we can tell the difference...

Other than that, Thriftychick has kept herself busy with festive shenanigans, which she knows is no excuse for such shameful neglect. I promise, kitties, in 2006 I'll be much kinder.

In the meantime, sign on for free screenings, competitions and general film fun:

www.filmfactory.co.uk

Ah, kittens, Thriftychick has been neglectful of late, but a new job and a publishing deadline have left her little time for anything but wine and quiet weeping, so accept her feeble apologies. Not much to report, either - though if you are fast, you can get a nice little discount this weekend at Selfridges (20%, though those on the mailing list get extra, I think - what do I keep telling you about mailing lists?). On the magazine front, the freebies - and indeed the magazines - are feeble, though December is always a paltry month.

One tip though - and again, it's all mailing lists - penguin books are now offering proof copies of some of their big titles through their website. It does mean the books are pretty mainstream, but a freebie's a freebie...

Check out: www.penguin.co.uk

Oh, and vote for James Martin on Strictly Come Dancing. Thriftychick's obsession continues to thrive...

Ah, no sooner have you put away the fireworks and taken the earplugs out of the cat than the festive season and all its pressures has arrived. Thriftychick has so many shopping evenings to go to she doesn't know where to turn - invitations to Aveda, Space NK, Liberty and Molton Brown have all popped onto her mat in recent days. Mailing lists, people, seriously - if you can't make use of the discounts, you can always enjoy the canapes. Or, in the case of Aveda, the free head massages. Also, the magazines, while thin on freebies, do have lots of vouchers aimed at getting you to part with your money before December - Thriftychick just availed herself of Red's 20% off at Paperchase offer to stock up on cards. She has also discovered the joys of free giftwrapping (with a special praise to the gals at Liberty and Space NK, who make an art of these things). As everything Thriftychick wraps - even books - looks like it has been done with her feet, this trend strikes her as A Good Thing. Also, another thrifty tip - if you are buying toiletries or make up for people as gifts, ask for samples of other parts of the range. Assistants tend to be a lot more generous once they know you're willing to put your hand in your pocket...

Until next time, kittens, happy shopping!

Thriftychick had a warm glow at the weekend, kittens, and not just because James Martin looked extra cute on Strictly Come Dancing. Fabulous F treat her to tickets to see the new film, The Constant Gardener at the Rizty's charity screening for the Disasters Emergency Committee. Not only was the film wonderful, it was nice to see all those folks up and about on a Sunday and giving their cash to charity. Or, of course, in Thriftychick's case, F's cash to charity, which is slightly less impressive.

Should you also wish to contribute - or get a friend to do so on your behalf - you can do so at:

http://www.dec.org.uk

Oh, btw, no more magazine freebies this month. Pants!

Ah, Thriftychick was a little disappointed by her Ted Baker event last night, kittens. After last year's extravaganza (goody bag, free ice cream and wine) this was a little tame, with freebies - if there were any - well hidden, and the promised extravaganza failing to materialise. The discount was good, but let's face it, kitties, those Ted Baker shirts may be hot, but they ain't cheap, and even 20% off just moves them into the realms of 'barely affordable.' Though there was some nice beer and the staff were as lovely as ever, Thriftychick and the Flatmate left empty handed and not a little sad.

That said, if you are a fan of the Ted, it's worth signing up to their mailing list, as they do keep you informed of promotions and sample sales. Check out the site at:

www.tedbaker.co.uk

Till next time, kitties...

Thriftychick is still loving the fact that she gets to go to parties, so is feeling a tad champagne-addled this morning after a pleasantly spooky Hallowe'en do at the Crypt last night - the spooky thing being quite how many canapes Thriftychick can manage and still go home for tea. Still, shared the chocolates in the goody bag with the Flatmate, so don't feel quite so guilty. (OK, I gave him the ones I didn't want, but it still counts.)

The magazines have started appearing, and although slightly thinner on the freebie front and depressingly full of Christmas presents, there are some goodies to be had. Red has a voucher redeemable for free Clinique body lotion, Glamour is going with the clutch bag/purse option and Easy Living has a tacky-looking but fun notebook. And it's only the start of the month...

Thriftychick is suspiciously cheery for a Monday morning today, which is always the result of a splendidly lazy weekend (lunch with the wonderful F, afternoons spent lying on the sofa, Strictly Come Dancing, an inordinate amount of ice cream). Part of this is because Thriftychick was the recipient of some fabulous birthday gifts, courtesy of the aforementioned F – Thriftychick never minds that gifts are late, as she thinks it just makes it feel like she is getting random presents all year round, a state of affairs she would dearly wish to be true. Plus, she and The Flatmate went for a very healthy walk on Sunday, which makes her feel marginally less guilty about eating nearly a whole tub of Strawberry Cheesecake Haagen Dazs.

Still, if you aren’t lucky enough to have friends as generous as F (and with such good taste) you can always treat yourselves to something nice instead. Billion Dollar Babes does designer sales at massive reductions – sign up for an invite at their website, below:

www.billiondollarbabes.com/

There is an entry fee, but that goes towards cancer research, so even going along to browse is good for the soul. I think the next sale is Saturday – but if you see a determined looking woman going for a reduced DvF dress, keep out of her way. There are some times when Thriftychick takes no prisoners.

Ah, it's a blog fury today as the Flatmate has set up his own blog, possibly so that I can no longer write about him with inpunity, or possibly just because his life is so much more interesting than mine. (Compare and contrast our weekend plans - The Flatmate: drinks with friends then a party full of cuties. Thriftychick: Strictly Come Dancing). (Is it wrong to quite fancy James Martin, even though he looks like he has eaten every last one of the pies? Perhaps Thriftychick has been single too long. Or should just buy some pies.)

Anyway, should you fancy keeping abreast of his frenzy of hotties, check out:

http://espressomachine.blog.co.uk/main/