Frump to Fab 2024

Wednesday2000

I was getting a migraine today and was genuinely shocked how well the advice from a reflexology book worked. A woman from another forum from Canada recommended it to me a couple of weeks ago. I hope that doesn't count as medical advice on here and isn't against the rules on here now.

I was lying down with my feet in the air earlier as apparently poor leg circulation can be a problem with migraines! I had the radio on and Tu have a sale on so I am going to look for a few new outfits tomorrow, hopefully.

I read an excellent book this evening. I read very quickly. The Therapist by BA Paris. OMG, such a twist. I did not guess it at all.

SandyShores

Wednesday2000 said:

I read an excellent book this evening. I read very quickly. The Therapist by BA Paris. OMG, such a twist. I did not guess it at all.

Thanks Wednesday - its free on kindle with prime, so have added this to my library ready for my holiday. 

thepurplepixie

Helen that was lovely to do for your dad and a lovely memory for you.

I remember Dunn's, where have all the good shops gone?

FreetodoasIlike

@thepurplepixie. I fear all the good shops have long gone, at least in my northern town anyway. It used to be vibrant with small boutiques, two large independent stores, as well as M&S,  BHS, Debenhams etc. When they closed the M&S in the town centre, it was the last nail in the coffin. There’s sadly nothing left now. Such a pity. 

@helensbiggestfan. How is your fledgling eBay/clothes selling small business doing? I haven’t sold anything on eBay for ages, but have listed a few items this week. I’ve listed some jewellery (my passion) but was so sick of cheeky offers from businesses last time, that I’m only accepting offers below a few pounds of the listing price this time round. I know they have to make a living and most have jewellery shops, but some of the offers I received weren’t just cheeky, they were beyond ridiculous. They think that, as I’m a private seller, I’m not aware of the value of the jewellery, that’s why I have loved to sell to private buyers in the past, who want the piece for themself or family and not to re- sell. I’m selling some gold stuff and know to the penny the scrap value of the gold. It’s not difficult, as I have my jewellery weighing scales, and there are on-line calculators that do the work for you. One cheeky devil tried to tell me the gold was 9ct when I listed it as 18ct. Told him/her to go away and look at the hallmark again, preferably with their loupe!! I’ve also got a couple of clothing items on, but with postage being so high nowadays, they may not sell. I’ve also listed a pair of cheap(ish) dresses and have got 78 views and 7 watchers so far, with three bids, so they will definitely sell. Only a handful of views for my other clothing items though. I think eBay is losing out to Vinted as it’s’s definitely the place to buy cheaper items. 

helensbiggestfan

Free.  Funny you should mention selling on eBay,  I haven't bothered for ages but today I listed a handbag.  It's quite unusual, a now defunct Australian manufacturer.  I had no idea how to price it but then found one identical but it's an American buyer and the postage is astronomical.  So I have been a bit cheeky, pitching mine at a couple £s less and free postage.  I used the AI programme for the description.  It was quite good.  

I don't know if I mentioned it but I have decided to sell only higher end items on eBay. I don't usually charge extra for postage on the more expensive items.  I know it's only psychology but I have found people like free postage.  I wouldn't be able to do it on cheaper items but I can take the hit if it's higher priced with better profit margins.   

I was thinking about trying some costume jewellery and vintage pieces but not brave enough to try the gold items yet.  (Bracelets that I don't wear because I can't fasten then myself - I need either a lover or a lady's maid🤣😂). I will hang onto them for now. I could always leave them to my DILs when I die.  😂.   

Did a bit of wardrobe decluttering and organising in my bedroom and i rejigged my finances to chase the best savings interest rates.  

FreetodoasIlike

@helensbiggestfan. Yes, I remember you saying that you will only sell high items on eBay. Vinted is more for high street brands, so it wouldn’t be worth your while (buying, certainly, but not selling). I’m with you all the way about offering free postage, psychological I know, but I do think it makes a difference.

Jewellery is my hobby. When I retired, I studied the various Assay marks and researched timescales. I once sold a vintage 1970s 9ct gold and emerald pendant a few years back. One jeweller messaged me to say that it wasn’t vintage and was at least mid-1990s. I messaged him back (yes, on this occasion it was a he) sending him a blow up photo of the hallmark, indicating that, yes I absolutely knew the pendant was 1970s, as I was the recipient (a gift from my then fiancé, who subsequently became my ex-husband, so not at all sentimental). I told him the maker’s mark, gold mark and pointed out the Birmingham Assay mark (anchor) and the date letter of X - indicating it was early/mid 1970s. Unsurprisingly, I never heard heard from him again, and the pendant did sell for its equivalent value. I think holding on to gold items is a good idea for your DiLs, as I’m sure they will appreciate it. As I have no children, my collection will go to my partner’s daughters or granddaughters and I will never part with the jewellery my aunt left me. I’ve already given some Pandora silver jewellery, which I no longer wear,  to them, and they were over the moon. Unfortunately, most of the Native American jewellery I love so much comes from America (as you would expect) but, like you say, the postage cost would add approx. £28/30 on top - not happening! Good luck with the sale of your handbag. I once, when I started using eBay, was conned into listing an auction Osprey bag, which unfortunately was sold to a dealer, which I knew she would sell on for much more - oh well, you learn from your mistakes!

Good luck with re-jigging your finances. I always try to keep on top of mine to try and get the best savings rate, although (I’m NOT getting political here, as it’s not a political forum, nor should it should be) with the election coming up, who knows? I think that it would be suicide for Labour to target pensioners - that’s what I’m hoping for anyway! 

SandyShores

I sold some costume jewellery recently - pearls on vinted and a piece of sphinx jewellery on ebay.  (If you have any costume jewellery check to see if it says sphinx somewhere on the back as its quite popular).  The vinted experience was much more user friendly and you can easily have little chats with the buyers - its nice when they message you to say how pleased they are.  But I agree with you both that if its higher value and/or a more unusual/specific item then ebay is better.  

@FreetodoasIlike - what a shady character, glad you were able to put him straight.  

I love the gold jewellery MrShores has bought me but out of interest I occasionally weigh it and compare to the gold value - its nice to think that we ever needed the cash its a possibility.  I wish I'd got MrShores to buy me a bit more gold as it seems to have held value unlike the diamond jewellery items which just don't seem to - unless they are large diamonds and mine aren't

helensbiggestfan

What's happened to the weather........😱. So cold here. I've whacked on the heating but my feet are like blocks of ice.  Think I need to invest in some thermal socks.   In June. 😟

Overdid the gardening yesterday. Today I'm a mass of aches and pains.  Will I ever learn?  Will take it easy, give myself a manicure.  

FreetodoasIlike

@SandyShores. Yes, I do agree that Vinted is more user friendly and not as expensive for selling or buying for low cost  items. eBay now take 12.8% commission, and they have have introduced a holding of funds policy until the item has been sent and confirmation received. I didn’t know this, but when I googled further information, apparently they were regarding me as a “new” seller, as I haven’t sold/listed for over a year. Only found out today, when one of my items (gold pendant) was withheld - I sold two items of silver (Pandora) and a white gold small pendant. Most people agreed on the eBay forum that this is a terrible policy. I understand that they do this for new sellers, and to protect buyers, but I’ve been selling for about 7 years or so, have 100% good reviews, which they should really take into account. I think gold never really loses its value, so I think you’re doing the right things in hanging on to it in case you need it. Good idea about costume jewellery.  I agree that Vinted is a good place place to sell and you get more private sellers than “dealers” in the trade. 

@helensbiggestfan. Take it easy, and pace yourself! I had a very laid-back (lazy) work colleague, and he used to end every conversation by saying “remember, don’t do too much now”. I used to find it funny but now realise just what he got away with! He was a dab hand of getting others to do things for him (playing the computer illiterate card) until we got wise to him, that is! Seriously though, just do a bit at a time, although I realise when you get on a roll, it so easy to carry on! Maybe a smaller garden in your next/forever house? As long as I have a small patio and a “little” bit of grass to view when I sit out, I’m happy.

Nice weather here today, but alas I’m not taking advantage of it, just sitting here on-line!

helensbiggestfan

Good Morning Lovely Ladies.  

Yes definitely will be looking for a small easy to maintain garden with the next house.  A postage stamp size will suit me just fine.  

All good here.  Just been doing some online shopping. Which brings me to ask for recommendations for a good deodorant/antiperspirant for sensitive skin.  As I get older I am noticing that my skin is becoming increasingly more dry and sensitive. Deodorants that I have previously used with no issues are making me sore, despite supposedly being formulated for sensitive skin. 

I think I need to look at  "natural" ones but not sure how effective they are.  Any suggestions for an effective skin friendly product.  

Not much luck with chazzas recently but I did pick up a lovely pre loved Jacques Vertes "occasion"dress from eBay. . Silver grey crepe, knee length, like new.  Original retail price, £189, new to me £18.  Bargain. I can't wear black so pale grey is often my preferred substitute for a "little black dress". 😉

True story......on my last cruise I had a man "express interest" in me. We had a mild flirtation.......he was nice, intelligent, witty (reminded me of Rick Wakeman) very well off but unfortunately he didn't rock my world so I didn't allow our friendship to develop. But he was interesting and a charming dinner companion.  Anyway....on one of the formal nights when you "dress for dinner" he complimented me on my evening gown, which was a sort of champagne gold.  As he looked around he commented on how many women were wearing black and gently teased me, jokingly asking if I had chosen my dress to deliberately stand out from the other women.  I just laughed and said "Busted". 

I hadnt noticed until he mentioned it, but as I looked around I realised he was right, nearly every other woman was wearing black. (And no it wasn't a themed black and white do.).  I suppose one of the reasons is because a really nice evening dress can be very expensive and black is seen as a good investment because it is so versatile.  

Well all I can say is thank goodness for preloved, I can indulge myself and buy dresses all colours of the rainbow.  😁