thriftychick

Well, more on the artists and writers theme, kittens, as I was off mingling with the literati again last night. I joined London-based Japanese writer Aoi Matsushima for the opening of the new Araki exhibition at the Barbican (opening being an apt word, as those of you who have seen Araki's work can testify). The tickets (and free drinks) were courtesy of Aoi, as I let my Barbican membership lapse. I was tempted, though, by their new offer of 20 quid for a year, as the last few things I've been to see there were definitely worth a look and I'm always happier walking around a show with a free glass of red in my hand. In fact, I had free membership for a year courtesy of an American Express promotion: check out their website to see what's on offer, and keep an eye out for promotions in the press. Though again, as the Flatmate and I took full advantage, it seems to have disappeared. Sometimes I feel we're Spoiling It For Everyone...

https://www.barbican.org.uk

Well, kittens, Thriftychick is in the brightest of moods today, as the lovely people in the Ritzy Brixton have found her make up bag, and she has been reunited with all her pretties. She has also had a busy week on the party front. After years of trying, Thriftychick finally has a job where she gets to go to parties, and it is rather a wonderful position to be in, to be able to compare the canapés at the Savoy and the Waldorf (for the record, the Savoy, but only because of the ice cream on sticks – Thriftychick is of the opinion that canapés don’t have calories, especially if you have to chase the waiters round the room to get them). The other party was a little more low key and exclusive, the launch of Sarah Paton Wiseman’s The Gin Trap, the latest book from Thriftychick’s own publisher, Kennedy and Boyd. This was at the Sketch Club, Chelsea, which, while being down one too many dark allies for Thriftychick’s liking (and cobbles are murder on heels), was fabulously stylish in that old-fashioned, shabby chic way only very posh places can manage. As well as enjoying the reading, Thriftychick made the most of the chance to mingle with fellow authors Craig Smith and Fiona Pearson, authors of Super-8 and the Merrybegotten, respectively. The free wine and canapés didn’t hurt, either.

However, befriending authors and artists isn’t the only way to get free entertainment. Both the Independent and the Times newspapers offer free arts cards that are good for getting discounted tickets to theatre shows, preview tickets to films and art openings – the Times used to do a lot, especially, with the Hospital in Covent Garden, which Thriftychick and The Flatmate used to enjoy, les for the shows themselves than for the generous servings of wine and the extremely cute waiters. (Thriftychick sincerely hopes that their overfondness for one and overindulgence in the other* had nothing to do with these no longer happening). For films, The Times on Saturday is good for free preview tickets, as are the websites www.empireonline.co.uk and www.firstmovies.com

So, that’s it for today, kitties, and with final thanks to the kind souls at The Ritzy, Brixton, farewell for now…

*I’ll leave you to decide which.

ThirftyChick is Not Happy today, kittens, having lost her favourite make up bag. The girls amongst you will know what a tragedy that is - years' worth of lovingly accumulated travel sizes, freebies and rare brands, all packaged in my beautiful Lulu Guinness bag that has crossed continents and survived many a night out. She is therefore on a search for goodies, the results of which she will of course share. In the meantime, however, she is delighted that her chum's lovely Stella My Star site is now up and running - the Catwoman- inspired Selina bracelet being a particular fave, unsurprisingly. Check out the lovelies at:

www.stellamystar.co.uk

Start your Christmas shopping early - charm bracelets are still v now...

Seriously, kitties, if you live in London and haven't got yourself a Liberty loyalty card - what are you waiting for? Not only is it worth buying all of your gifts there for what it saves on wrapping paper alone - leave it in the bag because everyone knows Nothing Bad Ever Came From a Liberty Bag - but even if all you ever buy are cards and toiletries, you still get an invite to their pre-sale opening nights. I missed the last one due to other Thriftychick duties, but hear good tales of extra discounts, events and, if you have been particularly naughty and spent a lot of money, you get invited to their VIP suite for champagne and canapes. You never get that with a Nectar card, kittens.

Greetings, kittens! Thriftychick has moved from her old blogging home, and hopefully the move will be permanent this time, as Thriftychick hates confusion! She will start as she means to go on with a round up of the month's freebies:

This month's Elle comes with a free umbrella, always handy for leaving on the bus. Red has a choice of novels (Nick Hornby or Anne Tyler), while Woman and Home comes with a wallety type thing. Easy Living comes with a free clutch/purse, though not sure hw useful that is (odd size and some of the patterns are ugly). (Another tip: while it's starting out, Easy Living is doing some very good subscription offers, worth checking out even if you're not that taken with the magazine.) B has a free DVD, though as it stars Jude Law, you may want to pass on that. New Woman has a free camisole - not sure of the quality yet, kitties, as it hasn't hit the shelves at time of writing, but always worth checking out. Thriftychick seems to recall InStyle has a ffree bag, too, no doubt soon to be seen on the arms of everyone in London...

So, not a bad haul this month my kitties, and remember: check out WH Smiths at stations for better offers and, bizarrely, the newsagents at Oxford Circus.

And to finish, Thriftychick is plugging her favourite book of the moment - an indeed of all time, as she wrote it - check out this link for a book full of steamy sex and lots of swearing, but lamentably few tips on bargains...

Doll by Tracey Sinclair
http://www.kennedyandboyd.co.uk/biblio/1904999212.htm

And, as ever, tips on bargains and freebies to be sent to: thriftychick@hotmail.co.k