The Ultimate Incentive natters on. Part 9

Dinah93

Birdie85 wrote: »

Been discussing having a few days away with OH at some point, any suggestions for a nice European city break that won't break the bank? We have floated the idea of Paris or Venice but we'll probably just complain that they're too touristy and expensive when we're there!

I agree that Krakow is lovely (I didn't go to Aushwitz despite being there for a week), and you can fly from Newcastle. Or how about this, I love the look of it and it's a huge £300 discount per person. A much closer to home option is Cork, I love it there, and it's 'proper' Ireland, so not very touristy. When my friend and I went to turkey it was actually a lot cheaper to go there 5* all inclusive for a week than to a nice city break for 3 days. If money is no object how about New York? You can usually get 3 or 4 days for £600 or so per person. Marrakesh is also near the top of my want to visit list.

Birdie85 wrote: »

Poddle, I believe you're thinking of Cinny with the dress but I really wish I hadn't clicked on that link! So many pretty dresses in the sale! I was just discussing buying quality over quantity this year with OH (who is actually encouraging me to save up and buy my coveted classic black Louboutins, maybe if I save really hard I'll have enough money by Christmas... and no doubt I'll chicken out and refuse to part with so much money! ) so I'm going to stay away from Primark et al and buy good quality clothes that will last, although it'll be difficult to get back into the mindset of spending more than £20 on an item! I'm guessing that buying a dress that was £50 originally falls into this category of better quality clothes, right?!

I definately rate quality over quantity, in some cases you can't tell the difference, but often the cut is just a lot more flattering so you feel much better wearing it. I never go to places like primark or new look anymore as after one wash I put it on and take it off again as it's just become shapeless. I have some Manolo classic black heels, I love the shape and style of them, but I tried them on on a very hot day after walking about 12 miles, and my feet must have been a bit swollen as they're a size too big for me now and I walk out of them, so they're hardly worn.

NIM has kindly shared the cold, so hm staying away last night was pointless. I woke at 3am with pain in my sinuses, a sore throat and a runny nose. Feel deathly, Grace at mum and dads tonight as we're meant to be going shooting in the morning, but at this rate we're just going to stay in bed!

Pleased to say I'm over halfway through the weight loss now. Have lost 4.8lbs this week with no real effort, not sure where it's going, but I'm back in jeans I haven't worn since uni so I'm happy enough.

7 Amazon books sold and gone yesterday, but other than that not much progress as I just feel rubbish. I have had an order for some of my prints on Etsy but as I have to order them in a larger size that won't be a cleared thing.

Why haven't Ebay had a free listing weekend?! I have lots of stuff to sell but I've been holding off. Think I'll try to get some up this weekend regardless. Especially the big bits, kiln, tablet computer, icandy buggy, wireless speaker etc.

Don't be a tease Shrimpy, tell us what you did.

Got invited to eldest cousin's hen do yesterday, so on a random Thursday in Feb I'm off to Paris I'm going to London the night before and staying with second eldest cousin the night before and the night after, as I can't get any trains at suitable times to go either up or back on the same day.

Birdie85

Do you think it's a sign that we know each other a little too well when we can shop for one another?!

I'd never even heard of them until yesterday but it says there's a shop in Leeds... must investigate!

Birdie85

Cross posted Dinah! Thanks for the suggestions and link, will check them out later. Sadly I think NY is out of our budget as we want to have a 'big' holiday later in the year for OH's 30th :eek: and we're looking to go to the Caribbean with friends. :j

Sorry you've caught the cold though. Hope you're not missing Gracie too much.

What a shame about the Manolos being too big! I've made that mistake before too, such a bummer! Have you tried inserts and heel grips?

N.I.M

clearmydebts wrote: »

That colour and style woulld be lovely on Tete. So many pretty dresses! TG there are no shops in Ireland!

Clearly you've never been to the outlets in Killarney (I think that's the place mum used to go), it was in the general direction of Tralee anyway. "Like Dublin with real world prices" Her words.

But your right, compared to the UK nowts there.

Tete_en_l'Air

The Rose of Tralee!!! Irish cultural reference there sorry, I just recognised the name!

Ah Birdie I was looking at that dress actually but I had a feeling they'd be on the short side. Some of them have lengths in the description though so might get the tape measure out later and see. As the whole point of the conversation is buying stuff that fits well and you know you'll wear I think I've done well not to order anything yet! Your dresses are lovely tho B and so is that one Poddle - I think if you know the style suits you then it's a wise investment? (Sorry to be an enabler). (There's a Joy in York too Birdie, near Fenwicks, if that's nearer than Leeds...)

Great news about your prints Dinah and Paris in a day!! Oh the glamour, it'll be fab! No plans for a holiday yet this year here Hoping to finally get to Cork with Dad though - he used to work in Cobh in his younger days and would love to go back. I went to Cork a few years ago and really liked the ambience (and the Beamish!)

Come on Shrimpy!!

poddle911

Birdie85 wrote: »

Do you think it's a sign that we know each other a little too well when we can shop for one another?!

I think it's hilarious I thought of Tete when I saw this one - won't she be a pleased long-legged goddess that we're helping her find plenty of ways to spend her hard-earned money?!

Dinah, hope you feel better soon and don't miss baby Grace too much. Must be tough to have to keep away at any sign of a sniffle, even though you know it's all for her

Wow, Birdie, a Caribbean holiday with friends - FUN!

ETA: Bit of a slow post there...

shrimpy_80

Tete_en_l'Air wrote: »

Come on Shrimpy!!

I've just written it out and realised how awful I am Its so petty I can't even believe I did it now

Basically my friend who I've known forever is a bit of a PITA. When we're together, we usually drink wine and have exactly the same tastes, so she knows what I drink and don't drink. When I got engaged we had a little party and she brought me a bottle of horrible looking wine that I know someone must've given her and she was trying to get rid of it. She also turned up late, drunk and made a big fuss about what an effort it was for her to come etc. so in hindsight I think the wine was just the final straw I was so irritated I kept it in the fridge and gave it back to her for Christmas

Now I feel like a meanie!

Birdie85

Oooh York is much better for me! Might have to have a day out with my Mum at some point, she's a much better shopper than OH!

Love that frock Poddle, and a great length for Tete!

ETA: LOL Shrimpy! That's not so bad really, I think it's funny!

Dinah93

Having just whinged about Ebay not having a free listing weekend for ages, there is one this weekend - so anyone decluttering and waiting to make a few pennies get listing.

Tete_en_l'Air

Ha! That's hilarious Shrimpy - did she notice do you think? Good for you, cheek of her!

Ah that is a gorgeous dress too Poddle, I'm scared of pleats though so it didn't tempt me!

I got an email from ebay about the free listing but haven't had chance to so any new listings, have relisted a couple of bits that didn't sell in December though. Had a pair of shoes returned to me after having to refund a buyer because they didn't arrive - sticker says they were never collected from the depot - so annoying. Going to email her and offer her first refusal at the previous price solely so that I can point out that it's HER fault (makes no difference obvs as ebay is always on the buyer's side, but it'll make ME feel better) - fully expecting to have to relist them at some point too. Also decluttered some videos found in a cupboard after realising we no longer have a VHS player!!