 |
| Sadly none of the contents are for me. |
I recently went shopping. Ho, hum, I hear you say. But by shopping I don't mean grocery shopping. I mean SHOPPING! Browsing shopping. Shopping with time to think ahead about gifts for other people (yes, Christmas is coming) and about all those things I've been putting off looking for for myself.
I've been very busy lately with writing and family stuff and my daughter is living elsewhere so I have no excuse to take a morning off to suss out what's new in stores. No market research. No buying up for birthdays and Christmas ahead of time. No checking out sales.
Until last weekend when I was in the big smoke (Sydney) and found I had several hours free to spend in the shops! It turned into an absolutely joyous excursion - possibly because I spent most of the time by far in some fantastic book stores. But there were also the makeup and lingerie sections, kitchenware, stationery (I defy anyone to find an author who doesn't love stationery) and lots more.
 |
| Silver servers from a previous sale |
I now have some beaut presents lined up for Christmas - all of them things I'd love myself. I even managed to get a few items on sale (always a good feeling) but I won't post pics here as they're being given to friends. There's something about sales, isn't there? That wonderful feeling of getting a great deal, or perhaps being able to afford that extra special something as a gift which you normally wouldn't be able to buy.
 |
| And more goodies from a previous sale - a set of 8 |
In fact, it's made me eager to visit the post Christmas sales to check out the china and glassware. That's something I always used to do with my mother and it still feels special.
Now I've started on the Christmas planning, I'm enthusiastic to keep going. I might even write a list - something I usually do before I head out to buy. In addition I've been buying wedding gifts for two separate weddings this week. All such fun!
And for those out for a great bargain, let me just say that Harlequin is having a massive, MASSIVE sale right now. From 18-25 October you'll find thousands of ebooks on sale for just $1.99! And if you're wondering where to start, I'm not too shy to give you a suggestion. Every single one of my backlist books with Harlequin is available this week for $1.99. Time to stock up on backlist books you've missed and maybe buy gifts for friends!
How about you? Do you love or loathe shopping? Do you enjoy a day in the city, or maybe a morning on the computer, organising all your upcoming gifts? Do you only buy in sales? Do you buy ages in advance? Are you a planner or do you buy on impulse?
Ooh, Annie, what fun you sound like you had! I can remember going shopping like that with you at the wonderful Peter's of Kensington back in the old days when we lived much closer to one another than we do now. It was always such fun.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I'm currently travelling. Right now I'm in Banff in Canada and because of weight restrictions on my suitcase I've saved all my present buying to this last stop. I'm really looking forward to hitting the local shops (which look full of goodies) in the week before I go home. Before that, sadly, I'm on deadline but that shopping spree is definitely an incentive to get my work done!
Wow, speaking of shopping sprees, I'm off to check out the Harlequin sale. Those are some major bargains!
Ah, Anna, those Peters of Kensington days - how lovely. I was getting some wedding gifts there recently. We must go there again next time you're in Sydney.
DeleteGood luck with the Banff shopping. I wonder what you'll come back with. Lots of light weight stuff!
Yes, the Harlequin deal is incredible for people who love category romance.
Oh, Annie, your shopping expedition sounds like a load of fun! And your post is so timely as my sister (from Jindabyne) arrives today...and she CANNOT wait to hit the shops. We're looking forward to some serious shopping in the coming week, LOL.
ReplyDeleteI'd loved to get ahead on my Christmas shopping. I used to be super-organised once upon a time and have it all done before December (but that's starting to feel like a life that belonged to somebody else).
Michelle, have a ball with your sister! Isn't it nice to go shopping with someone you know well? I can imagine you taking time out for coffee and a natter too - always nice.
DeleteAs for getting ahead with Christmas stuff - I find it gets harder each year. I always seem to be neck deep in a book and other things and really have to work to plan everything.
I seem to have lost my joy in shopping, or even just browsing. These days I shop with a purpose. I usually research the life out of an item, go to the store where I know I will get it at a price I'm happy to pay it and then I hightail it out of there and run home! I think the longer I work from home, the less I enjoy being out and about among people, LOL!
ReplyDeleteAnd isn't the Harlequin sale amazing! Such an opportunity for readers to fill up any missing books from collections/series etc. Just brilliant!
Yvonne, that's what amazed me about this day in Sydney. For the last several months I haven't been excited by the thought of braving the shops. Maybe it was because I was on a mini holiday and it was all fun stuff I was buying. I didn't have a list, though there were some things for me I knew I wanted, and the gifts were all just things that caught my eye which I knew friends would enjoy. Always nice finding something special for special people.
DeleteI have a 30 minute window for shopping. I love it for the first half an hour, after that its torture...
ReplyDeleteBut this year I've been tucking money away each week to spend on Christmas so at least nothing will be going on the CC which will save a lot of delayed torture in January! :-)
Wow, you sound organised, Amy. Good on you! I find after 30 mins I'm usually ready to sit and have a cuppa. :)
DeleteOh and yes, what a great Harlequin sale! I have 26 of my medical rom backlist on sale this week!!
ReplyDeleteLots and lots of bargains out there, Amy.
DeleteHi Annie
ReplyDeleteGood on you I am sadly one of those people who does not like shopping at all LOL but I do get there at Christmas with my trusty list in hand although I seem to do a bit online these days as well which is good for me. And you know some years I am all organized others I get it done by the seat of my pants :)
I am going to try and be organized this year and I suspect that a lot will be done online
I need to see if I can get some of these bargains from Harlequin :)
Have Fun
Helen
Hi Helen!
DeleteGood luck getting organised this year. That's my motto every year so I'll see how I go. Like you I seem to vary between totally organised or racing to get it all done on time!
Good luck looking for those bargains!
Looks like you had fun, Annie.
ReplyDeleteI must admit I'm not a big shopper. I don't enjoy it (unless I find some designer dress 90% off - then I'm really, really happy).
I was on the Gold Coast last weekend and did lots of shopping as we don't live near any big shops and it was exhausting. But, I did pick up some good Xmas presents.
I know what you mean about it being exhausting, Jennifer! I always need a cuppa and a rest after a big shop. But it's pretty rare for me to do that. Hm, why have I never found designer dresses at 90% off?
DeleteHand up confession time, Annie. I'm a total shopaholic. Any opportunity to shop and I'm there. These days that includes on-line shopping too. I've already got some stuff in hand for Christmas but there will be the usual last minute panic too!
ReplyDeleteGreat news about the Harlequin sale - my books are in there too.
I had a sneaking suspicion that might be the case, Kandy. You have a nose for sniffing out fabulous stuff.
DeleteYes, the Harlequin sale makes me smile!
Oh I really like shopping, but I tend to do it all from the comfort of my home. I'm an online shopaholic- which means the Harlequin sale is very bad for me at the moment!! LOL...Oh, and all my backlist books are on there too!
ReplyDeleteLouisa, it's so tempting isn't it? Online shopping can be so disastrously easy. But on the other hand, I love being able to see clothes especially, before I buy.
DeleteSounds like you indulged in my kind of shopping, Annie. I usually loathe shopping and do what I can online though I had a little spree in Beechworth today, picking up some lovely summer shoes for my trip to Palm Cove and some gifts for my daughter (who'/ getting married while I'm up there) and my grandchildren too as it's a family wedding and I wNted them to feel included. Today was actually fun.
ReplyDeleteShelagh, it sounds like you had a wonderfully productive trip! How satisfying!
DeleteHope you have a brilliant time in Palm Cove. I'm guessing it's going to be fabulous. What an appealing place for a wedding.
I love shopping however my budget and bung ankle don't like it as much. I tend to either buy online or end up doing the same as Yvonne when it comes to buying items as a result
ReplyDeleteHi Lyn! Ah, the budget. That's always an issue, isn't it? And pain while you shop - not a good idea. I can see why buying online appeals. Hope the Christmas shopping this year is easy.
DeleteI've always been a shopper but I try to go with a plan these days, especially for clothes shopping. Too many years of wardrobes filled with lovely things that didn't match!
ReplyDeleteHi Stef. I know what you mean! Though some times those impulse buys turn out to be the ones I've used and used.
Delete