Starting Out As You Mean to Go On...

There's that famous saying that what you do on New Year's Day will predict how the next year will go. Well, if mine is anything to go by, I'll be sleeping in and getting ready for work in 2013! Not sure how I feel about that...

I had standby just before New Year's- tried to be good and sleep beforehand but it just wasn't happening for me. I got to the standby lounge and semi-unpacked to make myself comfortable for the duration. With about an hour to go, I finally allowed myself to think that I might just be getting New Year's 2012 off since I had to work at Christmas. Mistake! No sooner than I had the thought, I heard "Staff number XXXXXX, you are pulled for Flight XX to (US destination)". Groan!!

U.S. flights are hard work at the best of times; on top of this add hardly any sleep and no good food that morning (had been waiting on the delivery guy to arrive to the standby lounge, so no breakfast!) As the flight went on though, I could manage to think of the positives- we had a good range of crew, the passengers were okay and the destination had some interesting things to see. I'd get through it.

That trip brought me back to Dubai on January 2nd. Since it had displaced me from the following trip (boo hoo- Kuala Lumpur, haven't been for ages!) I ended up with three extra days of reserve. Luckily, I didn't get called but could use those days to recover from jet lag.

Yesterday was a bit of a waste; I slept in, took down the Christmas decorations and spent half the day trying to book some last minute staff tickets for my sister. Of course New York this time of year on standby is out of the question so had to convince her to try somewhere else instead. Then stayed up all night as my body clock was stuffed up and watched movies. Popcorn at 3am, yeah that 'healthier diet' resolution can start next week... ;)

And now, after sitting in a bit of a funk today, to try and get out of my bad mood I have decided to clear out my closet of all the stuff I never use or "will get round to" wearing some day. Unfortunately, I tend toward a personality that likes to have 'stuff', and lots of it. I'm kind of ADD in that I go from one hobby to another with regularity, love it to death then quickly move on to something else. Thus, I have 'stuff' from scrapbook paraphernalia to baking equipment to my fish tanks, proper paper books, comic collection, , beauty products, video games etc etc... which is fine if you live in your own place, not so fine when you share. (At least I have the big bedroom!)

Which brings me to my problem. I'm quite good at making piles of stuff to 'mend' 'throw' or 'give away', but when it comes to getting rid of them, well.... "what if I neeeeeed it?". Last few times I've done this I've ended up regretting getting rid of something as I'd actually wanted it not long after. I don't know if I only thought of it because I had seen the item lately, or if I would have actually wanted it anyway.

So. I need you guys to tell me of any tip, trick or system that you use to get clutter down. I really need to spend less time online as well, but one problem at a time!!! Leave a comment and let me know how YOU do it!!

Primark Haul!

It's no secret that I love a good bargain, and Primark would have to be the best known for a wide range of styles at pretty good prices. Now, some of their stuff is a bit on the iffy side, but if you check items carefully before buying (no missing buttons, straight seams, no pulled threads etc) you can pick up some neat clothes at purse-friendly prices.

Recently I was assigned back to back London flights. While I don't loooove these trips (since there is not a lot to do out near the airport, and the Tube trip can be a pain in the you-know-what) I do like the chance to pick up some goodies on the high street. (Reading UK magazines does not help to curb this addiction, lol)

On my last trip, it was cold and rainy, so I was inspired to pick up some winter woolies. Helps that currently it is 'winter' in Dubai and actually doable to wear cardis and long pants when you go to the mall or even outside.

Was happy enough to pay 16 pounds for this
snuggly cardi-scanned at 7! Win!

Wanting a black leather-look vest for ages.
Done! 15 pounds

I do love me a good graphic tee, combine it with my favourite
NYC skyscraper, cool Art Deco vibe and a 3 pound price tag- I'm sold!

Finally, who could pass up these cute Fox Sox?
Not me! Perfect, my slippers are getting daggy
and these are the most adorable replacement.

Shopping all over the world, just one of the awesome perks of my job. Love! Have you picked up any amazing buys lately? Tell me!