Thankfully I know about sites like ZenniOptical where you can get hugely discounted eyeglasses online, because money is tight at the moment.

When I was growing up there was no way of getting out of paying the $100s opticians would charge for glasses but now thankfully there is.

It seems opticians are getting wise to the fact people are going to them for tests and then ordering their specs online though and are making it harder for them to do so by withholding important information such as your PD (Pupillary Distance), which is just so wrong on so many levels.

You are entitled to that information, and in fact any information you request from them, so if you come across a tricky optician be sure to stand your ground and let them know that they are obliged to give it to you

As ever I have been tasked with finding the best price on the sony gv-d200 she wants to replace it.

I use loads of sites online to help me with getting bargains, from price comparison sites like PriceSpider.com and coupon sites to find any discounts available to cashback sites where you can earn money back on your purchases. If I don’t save at least 10% on something I feel as though I have failed miserably!

I have just ordered a few things including not one but two new purses that I really don’t need. I really should stick to just ‘window’ shopping when money is tight, but hey-ho where’s the fun in that?

One thing I always do before buying any thing is check for coupons at sites like GoGoShopper, they have coupons for over 2000 well known online retailers — offering savings ranging from free shipping to a crazy 50% off! What I like about this site is that all the codes I have ever tried from them, including the Target coupons I used just yesterday, have worked. So many of these sites have loads and loads of expired and redundant codes you have to work through to get any thing.

Thumbs up.

Of course I would love to be able to buy him something even fancier, but my budget doesn’t allow for it and I think Timex is a great solution — well known and respected brand, loads of choice for all tastes and won’t break the bank. So far this lovely Timex Expedition Traditional Leather Full watch is on top of my list.

He’s going to love it I am sure. He’d better at least, by the time I actually come to buy it I will have probably spent 6 months trying to pick out the perfect one for him!

PPGazette is one site I have started using recently, they have 1000s of printable coupons for any store imaginable, they even offer economic cooking tips!

I just used the site to print off a few pet food coupons for my Mother In Law, that will score me a few brownie points

I will just have to take my mind off shopping with some chocolate, yeah, that works.

Nah, not really — it will be hard to resist but I am pretty sensible with money, especially when things are tight as they are now. If I come across something that I really want I can save up for it, I actually find shopping more fun that way. I am not one for impulse buys, though it does feel good to do that occasionally I get a much greater kick out of saving up for a few weeks or even months and then finally being able to get my hands on what tickles my fancy

I am going to pick up some bits for Valentines Day, maybe treat myself to some new underwear and I would also like some new jeans.

I am going to avoid shoes though, I definitely don’t need new shoes but I know I will buy some because I just can’t resist hehe

So far I have bought several pairs of shoes, two new coats and three pairs of jeans.

I have also bought several DVDs and Wii games.

And best of all I got a Sofa, Wardrobe and new bed for less than $400 combined!

I am going shopping again tomorrow as well, hehe.

I also successfully managed to cook Christmas dinner, OK so I took some short cuts — I didn’t actually roast a turkey, just used frozen Chicken breast fillets, but still…it all came out great and considering I can’t cook that’s quite an achievement.

I am just sad it’s all over now, but am looking forward to the January sales where hopefully we can get some new furniture and appliances for the new house at bargain basement prices