It pays to compliment...

Well, I made it back from Blackpool, thank God and National Rail! I have a nasty cold to treasure as a souvenir, not quite the traditional stick of rock, but hey ho.

My quest to live a little more thriftily this year has led me to the world of free samples and trials. Another MSE find (thank you, thank you, thank you!); a thread that MSE-ers posted their stories on various freebies they've received. Well, I already got the 10 x organic tea bags and Yorkshire Tea samples (recognise a pattern here anyone?), started the Purina ONE challenge (no, I haven't started eating cat food in a bid to save money, yet...) and gathered various other money-off coupons just by tapping a few details on screen, so where else was left to go? Well, I'll tell you.

You know how most of us complain when we've been given bad service, bought shoddy goods etc? Well, think on the reverse of that. How many of us actually compliment a company's goods or services?? No, me either, until now! Anyway, I thought I'd give it a go. It's really easy, all you do is go to the company's website, hit the 'Contact Us' link and you're away (alternatively, of course, you could use the tried and tested paper and pen method)! I've emailed several companies over the last week or so, telling them how much I enjoy using/eating xx product and thank you Mr Corporation for bringing this enjoyment into my life etc. etc. Most of the time I've had a response within a few days thanking me for my email and positive comments and, wait for it, saying that they would send me some vouchers as a thank you if I would just be kind enough to let them have my address!! I was stunned the first time I got a response like this, really, I was! OK, so some just email back saying thanks, but hey, that's kinda nice too huh? Now, I wouldn't advocate just emailing out to anyone, I mean what would be the point in billing and cooing to the makers of , say, Marmite when you really couldn't stand the stuff? - absolutely none, geddit?

Oh yeah, and make a note of who you send your emails or letters to, could be a tad embarrassing otherwise! Anyway, mwah to all those nice people who have emailed back and double mwah to those who have sent me some lovely coupons or sample freebies!

Until we meet again xx

Illuminating Blackpool!

Well, Happy February everyone! Can't believe we're into the second month of the year already, it seems to be flying by! So, what am I doing in order to celebrate the new month? Um, sitting in a crappy hotel room in Blackpool actually, counting down the hours until I can go home! Yep, I'm at yet another conference for work, but simply cannot get enthused at all. This one is even worse than the last, with all the sad muppets glamming themselves up for an evening in the bar getting well and truly rat-arsed! I tell you, I was almost knocked out by the mingled fumes of at least five different (mostly cheap!) perfumes last night in the lift down to reception! Sorry, maybe I'm the weird one and not everyone else! I just cannot see the attraction of these events, I mean, I wouldn't choose these people as my friends under normal circumstances, so why should I have to socialise with them??

Anyway, back to the purpose of the blog, spending!!! Or, should I say, lack of it! The January Grocery Challenge has come to an end and I only went a teensy bit over budget - £1.16 to be precise. Was really quite chuffed with that and, in all seriousness, the challenge has kept me really focused and aware of my grocery spends. February Grocery Challenge kicks off with a £200 budget once more, although I'm going to try and come in under that if I possibly can!

Crazy Clothes Challenge 2010 is still looking good at £20.99 out of £100 spent. I know this should really still show £0 out of £100, but we all know I had a 'moment' with the bargain boots!! Have to say though, so far I really don't seem to be bothered about clothes and the buying of new ones. Could I be turning over a new leaf? Or simply have too many clothes unworn and forgotten in my wardrobe that I'm suddenly re-discovering? Hmmmm, might need to ponder that one.

Now for a new challenge... My love of MSE has prompted me to join yet another challenge, this time for No Spend Days (NSDs). I have pledged to attempt at least 10 NSDs this month. This will be a real challenge for me as I tend to buy 'something' most days, even though the spend could be quite legitimate (eg. food etc.). I would really like to wean myself off doing this as I'm too used to spending each and every day so, when I don't, it kind of feels a little deflating. You know what I mean? Anyway, I'll give it a go and see what happens!

So, it's month 2 of the year and I have (so far) 3 challenges on the go. Not bad going huh?!

Until we meet again (hopefully not in Blackpool!) xx